Minister for Nature, Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan TD, stated that the €172 million allocated for these purposes represents an 11% increase from the previous year.
The funding will be used to protect and restore nature, conserve and enhance built heritage, and preserve national monuments. This investment demonstrates the government's commitment to protecting biodiversity, water quality, and Ireland's rich cultural heritage.
Minister Noonan welcomed the increased funding for the National Parks and Wildlife Service(NPWS): "Overall funding for the NPWS will increase by over 25% from last year, to a total of €78 million. €29 million of this will protect, restore and enhance our National Parks and Nature Reserves. I've also committed an additional €6.5 million for Science, Research and Nature Protection, to enable us to protect and restore species and habitats in the wider countryside, meet our legal obligations under the Birds and Habitats Directive, and support our ongoing work to bring wildlife criminals to justice.
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"This Budget comes at a critical time for nature with the introduction of the Nature Restoration Regulation, and will equip the NPWS with the resources to lead the preparations for a National Nature Restoration Plan, in partnership with farmers, fishers, foresters and community groups."
Speaking on the increased investment in water quality and the implementation of the Government's Water Action Plan, the Minister added: "We are increasing the funding for water quality by €4.5 million to almost €40 million, up 13% on 2024. This will enable us to invest in the protection and restoration of our rivers, lakes and estuaries in line with our obligations under the Water Framework Directive, and to work with farmers, state bodies and local authorities to improve water quality."
Funding for Built Heritage and National Monuments will also increase by 6%.
"Over €27 million in this Budget will support even more communities across the country to conserve their local built heritage and archaeological monuments," the Minister said.
"I'm also delighted to announce an increase in funding for the Heritage Council, to almost €19 million. This will enable them to continue to raise public awareness of, and engagement in our heritage, to grow their grant programmes and support Local Authorities as a key partner in nature and heritage."
