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The Minister for Culture, Heritage and Gaeltacht Josepha Madigan has said she is deeply concerned by the ongoing biodiversity losses recorded by the NPWS.
Ireland’s habitats are still in unfavourable status, with nearly half demonstrating ongoing declines.
Agricultural policy is moving towards improved environmental management
“There have been considerable efforts across Government to address the major impacts on these habitats. Peat cutting has been prohibited on a network of designated peatlands.
“Agricultural policy is moving towards improved environmental management through locally led and results-based agri-environment schemes where farmers have more say in the design of projects and are paid by conservation results.
Forestry policy evolving
“Forestry policy is evolving, with improved consideration of the type and location of planting and the rehabilitation of existing native woodlands,” she said.
“It is time for us all to step up to enable the transformative change required to reverse these trends.”
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