Ireland to Transfer State Lands to NPWS for Nature Restoration
Ireland will transfer State lands from Coillte and Bord na Móna to the NPWS for nature restoration, addressing the country’s poor environmental state. This follows a report recommending a €700 million annual fund. The plan’s first draft goes to public consultation May 25th, due to the EU by September 1st.
Ireland plans to transfer lands from semi-State companies to the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) as part of its response to the country’s «abysmal» state of nature. Minister of State for Nature Christopher O’Sullivan announced talks with forestry company Coillte and energy firm Bord na Móna to move some of their estates to NPWS management for restoration.
This initiative follows a report from an independent advisory committee recommending nature restoration begin on State lands, including those held by Coillte (7% of Republic’s land) and Bord na Móna (1%). While these companies are the largest public landowners, their commercial mandates prioritize profit. O’Sullivan stated that acquiring land from them, rather than changing their mandates, would allow NPWS, with its expertise, to lead restoration efforts.
The committee also recommended a dedicated nature restoration fund, allocating up to €700 million annually, to finance schemes for farmers, landowners, and fishers, invest in projects, and strengthen NPWS. Minister O’Sullivan supports this fund, with government talks already underway. The first draft of Ireland’s nature restoration plan, incorporating these recommendations, is set for public consultation starting May 25th and must be submitted to the European Commission by September 1st this year.