The initiative, titled 'Your Parks, Your Say', will provide an opportunity for members of the public and stakeholder organisations to share their views on Ireland's National Parks. Topics include biodiversity conservation and restoration, visitor amenities, education, community engagement, and legislation. The consultation will also seek input on the definition of a National Park.
Speaking at the launch in Wicklow Mountains National Park, Minister Noonan said: "Under this Government, we have transformed the National Parks and Wildlife Service, increased its funding by 170% and created new National Parks for the first time in over 25 years. Now is the right moment to reflect on this progress and have a meaningful national conversation on what National Parks are and how they should be managed. There is currently no legislative underpinning for National Parks in Irish law and no definition of what a National Park is or what it's for. This is something I'd like to see addressed on foot of this consultation.
"It's important that we evolve and refine our view as to what National Parks mean for Ireland. We are fortunate to have a network of Parks with tremendous community buy-in and support. Our Parks are uniquely Irish, providing protection to a range of flora and fauna across multiple habitats in landscapes that people have lived in for thousands of years. They also provide a range of environmental, social, economic and health benefits to local communities, and are enjoyed by millions of visitors. But their future development – both in terms of ecological restoration and visitor and educational facilities – needs deep and broad consideration. As we look towards the coming decade, it is only right that we take stock of where we are and encourage people to have their say, tell us more about how they see the Parks and what suggestions they have for their future direction."
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The first phase of the consultation is an online questionnaire with a number of questions across seven topic areas. It will run until the end of the year, closing on 31st December 2024. The questionnaire is available in both Irish and English here:
The Minister also announced that he has commenced the development of a framework for management planning across all eight National Parks and Coole Park Nature Reserve. This framework will include detailed information on each Park, including an inventory of natural and cultural resources, the challenges and opportunities that each Park faces, and how these are being addressed. Once the framework is developed, individual management plans will be finalised. Further public engagement will happen as each plan is developed.
The Minister said: "For the first time in a long time thanks to increased resources under this Government, we are in a position to bring people closer to the inner workings of our National Parks. I am determined to improve the ways in which information from and about our National Parks is made available to the public, and to share greater insights into their current condition and on the decision-making behind their management. By providing for deeper understanding and creating new opportunities for engagement, I hope to dispel some of the negativity we see on social media. Our National Parks are amazing places, staffed by incredibly dedicated and expert people who go above and beyond to protect nature and provide access to all. These vast, diverse landscapes – which co-exist alongside local communities – face a range of complex challenges. But with greater transparency, continued investment and collective action and effort, it is my hope that Irish society can see them for what they are: the jewels in the crown of our nation that should be cherished."
