Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore has called for the remits of Coillte and Bord na Móna to be changed to make biodiversity a key component.
Deputy Whitmore said that the organisations need to be given the legal remit to incorporate biodiversity into considerations and business decisions.
“As the largest owner of lands in the country, the state needs to lead,” Deputy Whitmore said.
The deputy raised the issue during a dáil debate on the report of the Joint Committee on Environment and Climate Action entitled ‘Report on the examination of recommendations of the Citizens’ Assembly report on biodiversity loss’.
Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan said that he agreed with Deputy Whitmore.
Biodiversity
The minister said that Bord na Móna is using “best practice” to rehabilitate post-production peatlands at a serious scale and working with the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) on peatland restoration programmes.
The minister said that the conservation measures programme on state lands is currently “prioritising” peatlands and woodland restoration.
Minister Noonan said that Coillte has set “ambitious targets” to enhance and restore biodiversity on its estate, but that he would like to see a “much stronger approach”.
“Particularly in relation to the hen harrier threat response plan, which I think is vitally important,” Minister Noonan said.
In relation to the response plan, Minister Noonan said he would “like to see” more done for the non-designated breeding and wintering grounds.
He added that the clearance of invasive rhododendron, which leads to a decline in native wildlife habitats is happening “at scale”.
“There is also much to be done in managing sensitive sites for nature within the Coillte estate,” Minister Noonan said.
“We need Coillte and the NPWS to deepen their working relationship. I would like to see much stronger collaboration and partnership on key nature sites,” he added.