Ireland Launches Public Consultation for Nature Restoration Plan, Targeting 90% Habitat Recovery by 2050

Ireland is launching a four-week public consultation on its draft Nature Restoration Plan, starting Tuesday, June 2nd. This follows Minister of State for Nature Christopher O’Sullivan's acceptance of recommendations from an Independent Advisory Committee. The plan aims to implement the European Nature Restoration Law, which mandates restoring 30% of habitats by 2030, 60% by 2040, and 90% by 2050.

O’Sullivan described the initiative as a «moonshot moment,» acknowledging the dire state of nature in Ireland, where 90% of EU-protected habitats are in poor condition. The plan requires a dedicated cross-departmental fund and private finance, as Ireland currently spends the lowest relative amount on nature among EU states (0.9% of GDP vs. 2.2% EU average).

Key challenges include mapping habitats, establishing long-term monitoring, expanding marine protected areas, and ensuring farmers, foresters, and fishermen are compensated for restoration efforts. The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) leads the plan, which also seeks to expand national parks and State land acquisition for nature. The European Commission has set a September 1st, 2026, deadline for member states to submit their national plans.