New National Parks legislation to have nature restoration focus
Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan has today (Friday, July 24) announced his intention to develop a National Parks Bill.
The new legislation will put the country's national parks on a statutory footing for the first time.
It will also establish nature conservation and restoration as the primary management purpose of the parks.
The proposal to develop the Bill was brought to Cabinet earlier this week by Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne.
Legislation
Currently, there is no comprehensive statutory framework for the designation, governance and management of national parks.
Minister O’Sullivan said the development of a dedicated legislative framework will align Ireland with international best practice."The forthcoming National Parks Bill will constitute one of the most significant developments in nature conservation legislation in the history of the State, and it’s coming at a really important time.
"We know that we need to lead nature restoration on public land, and our national parks are central to achieving this.
"I want Ireland’s first National Parks Bill to make the primary purpose of these amazing places crystal clear: to protect and restore nature.
"The legislation will also provide for a governance and management framework that is capable of responding to contemporary environmental challenges, including biodiversity loss, climate change and increasing recreational pressures.
"This includes management planning, conferring powers to make byelaws that will regulate certain activities within national parks, and enabling the prohibition or restriction of certain other activities, where necessary, alongside appropriate enforcement powers and sanctions," he said.
The legislation will also set out "a transparent process" for the designation of new national parks and the expansion of existing locations.
Minster O'Sullivan said that over the coming months, a General Scheme for the legislation will be developed.
He said this will be done in consultation with relevant government departments, State bodies, local authorities, environmental stakeholders, landowners, community interests and other interested parties.
National parks
The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is responsible for the management of eight national parks in Ireland.
Niall Ó Donnchú, NPWS director general, has welcomed the government's decision on the new legislation.
"As we look to the future, it is essential that our national parks are supported by legislation that is fit for contemporary purpose: legislation that clarifies operations and management across the national park system.
"It must also strengthen our authority and enforcement powers as we in NPWS work tirelessly to protect these extraordinary natural gems.
"We look forward to working closely with Minister Browne and Minister O’Sullivan in drafting this important legislation, ensuring that it provides a robust foundation to safeguard our National Parks for the generations to come," he said.
