John Lahart (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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426.To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if he will outline, in the context of the designated areas of Corca Dhuibhne as a national park, what material difference this will make to the area; the additional requirements, if any, on the authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25557/24]

Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party)
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Páirc Náisiúnta na Mara, Ciarraí, is Ireland’s newest and largest National Park and our first marine National Park. The creation of the Páirc fulfils a Programme for Government commitment, and brings together some of the most significant and diverse sites in Ireland's territory for marine and coastal biodiversity, as well as a wealth of archaeological, cultural and historical heritage.

Bringing these places together in the ownership of the public in perpetuity affords the highest level of protection that the State can offer, for generations to come.

The primary purpose of the Páirc is the conservation and sustainable management of nature and biodiversity in these lands and waters, and it will be managed with that purpose in mind. The Páirc will be managed primarily by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), in partnership with the Office of Public Works and other strategic partners in certain specific areas as appropriate. NPWS will also liaise and work closely with Kerry County Council, and other stakeholders & landowners in the area, as well as the local communities.

The creation of the Páirc commits the State not only to preventing damage in the Páirc, but also to pursuing proactive conservation for all wildlife habitats and species therein. In addition to the primary goal of biodiversity conservation, a key objective is to deliver significant benefits for the conservation of other aspects of heritage – historic, cultural, language, and for amenity and tourist benefit, education, local industry and especially to the benefit of local people and communities.

My Department is currently engaging with local stakeholders, and a formal consultation process for the Páirc will open on a national basis later this month. I am confident that Páirc Náisiúnta na Mara Ciarraí has a very bright future, and will continue to bring fundamental benefits for biodiversity, for heritage, for visitors and the local communities as a world class National Park, for many generations to come.