Marc Ó Cathasaigh (Waterford, Green Party)
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121. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government his plans to publish legislation to provide a legal basis for national parks, as outlined in Action 1E2 of the National Biodiversity Plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23625/24]

Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party)
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The publication of legislation to provide a legal basis for National Parks is a priority for the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) within my Department. The NPWS is currently assessing the requirements of such legislation and considering how best to advance legislation in such a way as to maximise possible benefits to the National Park System.

It should be noted, just as the NPWS is committed to undertaking a review of legislation such as the Wildlife Acts, it too has included legislation for National Parks in its work plan and is committed to examining and progressing appropriate legislation where it is in the best interest of both the citizen and nature.