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Minister Christopher O'Sullivan has today launched a set of recommendations from the Independent Advisory Committee for Nature Restoration on how Ireland should restore nature across our land and sea, improve water quality, and reverse biodiversity loss.  

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The Committee, chaired by Dr Aoibhinn Ní Shúilleabháin (DCU), consisted of representatives from farming, forestry and fishing sectors as well as environmentalists, local government and academics.  Following 15 months of deliberations, the Committee has agreed by consensus a set of recommendations on how Ireland should implement the EU Nature Restoration Regulation. 

 

Commenting at the launch, Dr Ní Shúilleabháin said,

“This has been an extraordinary coming together of views.  I am deeply grateful to the Committee members who dedicated time and effort, working in a very collegial, collaborative and constructive way to reach consensus.  Our recommendations are informed by extensive stakeholder and public consultations from all over this country.”

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The report recognises nature as critical infrastructure and recommends committing to fund nature restoration to mitigate the known risks to food production, national security, health and well being and to guard against extreme weather and flooding. 

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The report also recognises the deep relationship between nature and Irish heritage and language, and notes the overwhelming public support for restoring nature that was echoed across community events, matched with a sense of deep sadness for what we have already lost.    

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The report for government outlines three priorities;

1 – fund nature restoration,

2 – restore nature on public lands as a priority,

3 – support the farmers, fishermen and foresters. 

There are also recommendations for local authorities, education, governance, and the Gaeltacht areas and Islands.  

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Dr Ní Shúilleabháin continued,

“Nature is important infrastructure with multiple societal benefits. With this report, we have developed a clear path as to how government can act to ensure the ecosystems on which our society and economy are utterly dependent, can be restored to good health, while at the same time supporting those who work the land and sea to produce quality, sustainable food and timber products. This is a generational opportunity to make a difference in how we look after nature for ourselves and those coming after us”

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Paul O’Brien, Committee member representing the Irish Farmers Association commented,

“Farmers are committed to playing their part and the onus is now on Government to step up with clear commitments. Too often in the past, consultation did not happen as it should have. Farmers are on the frontline and without their full support, it won’t be possible to meet the objectives set out here.”

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Fintan Kelly, senior land use officer of the Irish Environmental Network and Committee member said,  

“The work of the Committee has highlighted broad consensus on the actions needed to restore nature, and that farmers, fishers, foresters and civil society are ready and willing to play our part.  The responsibility now lies with the Government to act – by delivering an ambitious nature restoration plan, backed by the political leadership and investment required to make it a reality.”

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The recommendations report was launched today by Minister for Nature Christopher O’Sullivan, and is available to download from here in English, agus anseo as gaeilge.   

 

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