The Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment has published 'A Living Land', the concluding report for phase 2 of the National Land Use Review, meeting a commitment in the Programme for Government 2025: 'Securing Ireland's Future' to "complete the second phase of the Land Use Review, which aims to balance environmental, social and economic considerations."

Phase 1, led by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and focused on evidence gathering, was completed in March 2023.

Phase 2 was overseen by an independent Oversight Group chaired by Geraldine Tallon. Its final report was submitted to the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment, Darragh O'Brien; the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon; and the Minister of State at Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Christopher O'Sullivan. Following their consideration, and further review at Government level, the report has now been released.

'A Living Land' sets out current land use patterns and the multiple, sometimes competing, demands on land as Ireland progresses towards a climate-neutral economy by 2050. It is intended to build an evidence base to support Government, policy-makers and landholders in making complex choices that reconcile agricultural, socio-economic, climate, water quality and wider environmental objectives.

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The document is not a statement of Government policy, nor a new strategy on land use, and it has not been adopted by Government.

The report presents academic models depicting potential 'pathways' to climate neutrality by mid-century, illustrating a range of possible future land use configurations, including challenging scenarios.

It notes that land use underpins Ireland's world-class agri-food sector, with exports valued at €21 billion, and delivers non-economic benefits such as cultural identity, biodiversity and heritage. While highlighting the need for further evolution in land management practices to meet Ireland's interlinked opportunities, objectives and commitments, it also points to many examples of best practice and government leadership already in place.

Commenting on the publication, Minister O'Brien said: "I welcome the publication of A Living Land. This report makes an important contribution to the national conversation on the optimal use of land in Ireland, helping us meet both our climate and economic objectives."

Minister Martin Heydon noted: "Land is one of our greatest yet finite resources. Farmers, as stewards of the land, set out daily to deliver for us all in terms of food production and wider ecosystem services; they know best the importance of multi-functional land use. This is evidenced through ACRES Cooperation and other best in class examples documented in the report."

A central recommendation is the creation of a national land use governance framework to better coordinate existing policies with a land use dimension, fulfil environmental obligations, and align public and private landholders in managing land to provide multiple social, economic and environmental benefits. The report suggests establishing a Land Use Taskforce, co-chaired by the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, with senior representatives from the Department of Housing and other relevant Departments and bodies.

This framework would explore how the State can encourage optimal land use to meet diverse societal needs, including sustainable food production, socio-economic benefits, nature restoration, improved water quality, and enhanced climate adaptation and mitigation. It would also work closely with the Adaptation Taskforce.

'A Living Land' and supporting materials are available at: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-climate-energy-and-the-environment/publications/land-use-review-phase-2/