Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O'Sullivan TD, has launched the Independent Advisory Committee (IAC) report, 'Recommendations to inform the development and implementation of Ireland's Nature Restoration Plan' (NRP), at the National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin, today (Wednesday 29 April).

The IAC's work, established in late 2024 to advise on Ireland's Plan as required under the EU Nature Restoration Law, culminates in 46 policy recommendations and 48 article‑specific recommendations developed over 15 months. Seven general recommendations are included to underpin effective delivery of the forthcoming Plan, with three identified as priorities: funding nature restoration, prioritising action on public lands, and supporting farmers, fishermen and foresters.

The report also analyses Articles 4 to 13 of the EU Nature Restoration Law, which set legally binding restoration targets for ecosystems and species across EU Member States. The 13‑member committee, chaired by Dr Aoibhinn Ní Shúilleabháin, brought together independent expertise from farming, fishing, forestry, local government, scientific fields, statutory agencies and non‑governmental organisations.

Its recommendations were informed by extensive engagement alongside government technical workstreams, including deliberative 'Leaders Forums' and local 'Community Conversations' that heard from more than 1,000 people nationwide, as well as expert input across land, sea, urban and finance themes.

Welcoming the IAC's recommendations, Minister O'Sullivan said: "I would like to thank and congratulate Dr Ní Shúilleabháin and all the members of the Independent Advisory Committee for their extraordinary work in bringing these recommendations together.

"Ireland can be very proud of the approach we are taking to the development of our Nature Restoration Plan. We are working from the bottom up, listening to communities and engaging with key sectors, and collaborating across perspectives and positions to find a common ground for the future of nature in this country.

-- Advertisement --

"It is to the immense credit of the Chair and the membership that this common ground was not only found, but articulated so well. This is no easy task. We often hear of division between rural and urban Ireland, between environmentalists and farmers, between scientists and practitioners. I think that when we look back in years to come, this report will be seen as a key milestone in the bridging of those divides.

"As Minister for Nature, it's my job to do this work justice. Together with my colleagues across Government, I am committed to ensuring that the IAC's recommendations are delivered on through Ireland's National Nature Restoration Plan and that the people of Ireland – no matter where they come from – can see and feel the benefits of restored and thriving nature for themselves."

Chair of the Independent Advisory Committee, Dr Ní Shúilleabháin, said: "I'm delighted that the Minister is publishing the recommendations of the Independent Advisory Committee on Nature Restoration to the Minister today. The work of the Committee represents an extraordinary coming together of diverse stakeholders and represents a landmark process of collaboration in contributing to the development of our national policy and practices to benefit nature. It has been a privilege to be part of this process and I would like to thank each member of the committee for their commitment and engagement over the past 15 months to come to these recommendations. Not only is nature an essential infrastructure asset and inherently valuable, but it is deeply connected with our language and national heritage. When nature thrives it is a joy to behold, as is demonstrated through examples of work from individuals, groups and organisations across the country.

"The EU Nature Restoration Law presents an immense opportunity for farmers, foresters, fishermen, local authorities, communities and individuals. The committee is hopeful that, as a State, we can embrace this opportunity to lead on environmental stewardship, particularly on our vast public lands, through the work of State Agencies and Departments."

Director General of the National Parks and Wildlife Service, Niall O Donnchú, said: "The National Parks and Wildlife Service is proud to lead the all-of-government approach to the drafting of Ireland's Nature Restoration Plan. The development of the Plan is a complex task, involving multiple government departments and agencies, as well a broad range of stakeholders. This approach provides us with a once-in-a-generation opportunity for all parties concerned – policy makers and citizens alike – to plot a course for the future of nature restoration in Ireland. I am confident that once completed, Ireland's Plan will deliver real and long-lasting change in our relationship with our natural environment, and I look forward to fulfilling this responsibility in partnership with the other key government departments, state agencies and stakeholders.

"Nature restoration is not a standalone objective in and of itself, but brings enormous co-benefits that go well beyond mere compliance with the Nature Restoration Law. The successful implementation of this Plan makes sound economic sense, benefiting societal health and wellbeing, reducing risk in areas such as flooding, and contributing to our national targets in climate mitigation and adaptation."

Minister O'Sullivan will consider the IAC's recommendations as the draft Nature Restoration Plan progresses. Ireland must submit its draft NRP to the European Commission by 1 September 2026, after which a 12‑month dialogue with the Commission will commence on the Regulation's requirements and Ireland's proposed pathway to meet restoration targets for 2030, 2040 and 2050. A four‑week public consultation on the draft plan will begin at the end of May. Subject to Cabinet approval, the final NRP will be submitted in September 2027.