Jennifer Whitmore (Wicklow, Social Democrats)
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394. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if he will continue to expand the NPWS farm plan schemes in 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50327/25]

Jennifer Whitmore (Wicklow, Social Democrats)
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395. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the amount of funding allocated for new applications in 2026 for the five year National Parks and Wildlife Service farm plan scheme; if that funding will be increased annually from 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50328/25]

Christopher O'Sullivan (Cork South-West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 394 and 395 together.

Decisions on any further expansion of the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) Farm Plan Scheme in 2026, will be taken in light of existing demand and budgetary outcomes.

The National Parks and Wildlife Service of my Department is reviewing a number of existing farm plans that are due to expire in 2025 to assess the potential for rollover. This review is intended to support continuity in conservation efforts while future funding arrangements are being considered.

Interested parties who wish to be considered for future opportunities under the scheme are encouraged to submit an Expression of Interest form, which is available on the NPWS website.

Further updates will be provided once decisions regarding future funding and scheme development are finalised.

Cathal Crowe (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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396. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 740 of 22 January 2025, if he will provide an update on plans for the opening of National Parks and Wildlife Service offices in Corofin, County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50360/25]

Christopher O'Sullivan (Cork South-West, Fianna Fail)
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The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of my Department received planning permission to construct a new visitor centre for the Burren National Park, at No. 1-2 Riverview, Corofin, on 11 January 2024. The NPWS and Clare County Council are working together to secure funding and progress this project through detailed design in preparation for the later construction phases.