Réada Cronin (Kildare North, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1580. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the biodiversity cross-Border projects that have been identified by his Department as part of the National Development Plan review 2025; the timeline for the completion of said projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42879/25]

James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

While the NDP review 2025 does not specify detail to the level of individual projects, the allocation to Nature and Heritage under the renewed National Development Plan will support renewed investment in Ireland’s rich natural and cultural heritage and the objectives of Heritage Ireland 2030, building on the increased allocations to the NPWS in recent years.

Some examples of the range of biodiversity projects where my Department via the NPWS is currently working on an all-island basis with its Northern Ireland partners include:

• The Shared Island Biosecurity and Invasive Species Initiative which provides a framework to coordinate an all-island response to the threat posed by invasive species. The project is being implemented by the National Biodiversity Data Centre and the Northern Ireland Environment Agency, with oversight from the National Parks and Wildlife Service;
• The All-Ireland Pollinator Plan is a framework designed to protect pollinators and their vital ecosystem services across the island of Ireland. The Plan has had two successful phases (2015-2020; 2021-2025) and is supported by the National Parks and Wildlife Service, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, and the National Biodiversity Data Centre;
• The Shared Island Peatland Programme works to conserve vital peatland ecosystems and reduce carbon emissions on an all-island basis. The project is funded through Shared Island with match funding from the National Parks and Wildlife Service. To date the Programme has restored more than 1000 hectares of peatland habitat;
• Building on the NPWS’ successful Natura Communities pilot, delivered in the North West, funding from Shared Island with match funding from NPWS was approved in February 2025 for an all-island Natura Communities initiative. This project will support the restoration of nature and biodiversity at a local level across the island of Ireland over the project's six-year timeline, working with local authorities and communities North and South, to achieve restoration of 2,000 ha of wetlands and other ecosystems.