The Independent Advisory Committee on Nature Restoration (IAC) has held its final meeting, marking the completion of its mandate to advise on the development of Ireland's Nature Restoration Plan.

Established in late 2024, the Committee was tasked with supporting Minister Christopher O'Sullivan TD in shaping the national strategy required under the EU Nature Restoration Law.

Over the past fifteen months, the IAC has worked to agree on a series of specific recommendations. these are intended to identify the critical priorities and enabling conditions necessary for the successful delivery of the restoration plan. The group's output draws on a diverse range of expertise from its members, who represent sectors including farming, fishing, academia, non-governmental organisations, and various local, national, and EU authorities.

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In addition to internal expertise, the Committee's findings are based on a wide-reaching stakeholder participation process designed to incorporate the perspectives of the general public and key industry groups. The IAC also reviewed technical data provided by inter-departmental working groups focused on four primary themes: Land, Sea, Finance, and Towns and Cities.

Minister O'Sullivan is expected to receive the formal recommendations in the coming weeks, with plans to publish the document shortly thereafter. These insights will inform the drafting of Ireland's Nature Restoration Plan, which is currently being developed through an all-of-Government approach.

The timeline for the project requires Government approval before an initial draft is submitted to the European Commission in September. Following a period of feedback from the Commission and a further public consultation phase, the final Plan is expected to be completed in 2027.