Emer Currie (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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824. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the number of full-time staff within the National Parks and Wildlife Service who are dedicated to the fulfilment of the agency's duties in the marine environment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29821/25]

James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) plays a vital role in safeguarding Ireland's marine environment. This includes responsibilities such as designating Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)*, conserving marine habitats and species under EU directives, and overseeing licensing and research activities related to marine biodiversity.

Some 580 staff are employed in the NPWS, of whom 549 are full-time staff. This workforce allows NPWS to fulfil its marine conservation objectives. NPWS's marine conservation efforts are supported by a multidisciplinary team comprising scientific advisors, conservation rangers, and policy specialists. These professionals collaborate with other governmental bodies, such as the Marine Institute, to fulfil obligations under the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive.

*A Marine Protected Area (MPA) in Ireland is a clearly defined marine or coastal area that is managed to protect and conserve biodiversity, ecosystems, and cultural resources in the marine environment.