Jennifer Whitmore (Wicklow, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

1222. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government to clarify which environmental projects have been submitted by his department officials as part of the National Development Plan bidding process; the budget allocation for said projects; which of those projects are directly linked to the implementation of Ireland’s legal obligations under the EU Nature Restoration Law, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46058/25]

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

The National Development Plan (NDP) Review process with the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitisation did not involve the submission of individual projects. It was an overall bid based on estimated sectoral requirements for the next 5-10 years. Allocations to programmes and subheads will be determined in the coming weeks which will enable the Department to evaluate funding available for schemes and programmes.

The EU Nature Restoration Law (NRL) entered into force on 18 August 2024.  It sets out a framework for EU Member States to restore nature, with binding targets for the restoration of a wide range of ecosystems including rivers, forests, oceans, urban and agricultural areas, as well as protected habitats and species. Ireland has until 1 September 2026 to submit a draft National Restoration Plan to the EU Commission, setting out how we intend to achieve these legally binding targets.

The process of developing this Plan is underway and an assessment of cost and benefits of compliance will form part of the development of the Plan. When completed this will provide financial information for a report containing recommendations on how the NRL targets can be met.