A strategic review of the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has gotten underway on Wednesday 3 February, aimed at appraising the current operational model of the organisation.

It will be led by chair Dr Jane Stout, professor in botany at the school of natural sciences Trinity College Dublin, and deputy chair Dr Micheál Ó Cinnéide, former EPA director.

The current operational model of the NPWS division of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage will be appraised, identifying any issues within structure, resourcing, staffing and governance.

Funding increase

Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform Malcolm Noonan said the recommendations of this strategic review will be critical in enabling Government to meet unprecedented ambition for nature.

“In 2020, NPWS’s funding was 70% down on what it had been before the financial crisis in 2008. I increased its funding by 80% in Budget 2021, but there is much more to do.”

The review will comprise three phases including:

  • An extensive stakeholder engagement process.
  • An assessment of NPWS capacity, resourcing, staffing, governance and other key operational aspects.

  • A comparative desktop analysis of structures in similar organisations in other jurisdictions and an overview of the role and responsibilities of other state bodies and their relationship with NPWS.

    • It is anticipated that the review process will be completed this summer, with publication of the report and its key recommendations to follow.