Secretary of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan, today (Friday 24 July) announced his intention to develop a draft National Parks Bill.
The new legislation will put the country’s national parks on a legal footing for the first time.
Nature conservation and restoration will also be established as a primary goal of park management.
The proposal to develop the bill was presented to Cabinet earlier this week by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Brown.
legislation
Currently, there is no comprehensive legal framework for the designation, governance and management of national parks.
Minister O’Sullivan said the development of a tailored legislative framework would align Ireland with international best practice. “The upcoming National Parks Bill will mark one of the most significant developments in conservation legislation in the nation’s history, and comes at a truly important time.
“We know we need to lead the charge on nature restoration on public lands, and our national parks are essential to making that happen.
“I want Ireland’s first National Parks Bill to make clear the fundamental purpose of these wonderful places: to protect and restore nature.
“The legislation will also provide a governance and management framework capable of responding to contemporary environmental challenges, including biodiversity loss, climate change and increasing recreational pressures.
“This includes administrative planning, granting powers to establish regulations governing certain activities within national parks, and enabling the prohibition or restriction of certain other activities, when necessary, along with enforcement powers and appropriate penalties,” he said.
Christopher O’Sullivan
The legislation would also establish a “transparent process” for designating new national parks and expanding existing sites.
Minister O’Sullivan said that over the coming months, an outline of the legislation would be developed.
He said this would be done in consultation with relevant government departments, state bodies, local authorities, environmental stakeholders, landowners, community interests and other interested parties.
National parks
National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) Responsible for the management of eight national parks in Ireland.
Niall Duncho, Director-General of the National Wildlife Agency, 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 at NPWS work tirelessly to protect these extraordinary natural gems.
“We look forward to working closely with Minister Brown and Minister O’Sullivan in crafting this important legislation, and ensuring it provides a strong foundation for protecting our national parks for generations to come,” he said.
