Public consultation on Ireland’s Fourth National Biodiversity Action Plan (NBAP) launched

Public consultation on Ireland’s Fourth National Biodiversity Action Plan (NBAP) launched

Members of the public can submit their views by November 9th

Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform Malcolm Noonan T.D. has launched a public consultation for the fourth National Biodiversity Action Plan (NBAP).

Members of the public are encouraged to submit their views to the consultation at www.gov.ie/biodiversityplan before November 9th. The consultation is run by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), a division of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and follows from a period of engagement with stakeholder groups, including government departments, agencies, businesses, and  representatives of the Biodiversity Forum.

The National Biodiversity Conference, held in June of this year, also forms part of the consultation. At the event, a wide audience engaged in discussions on Ireland’s response to biodiversity loss, conservation and protection.

The draft objectives of the National Biodiversity Action Plan (NBAP) are to:

  • Adopt a Whole of Government, Whole of Society Approach to Biodiversity
  • Meet Urgent Conservation and Restoration Needs
  • Secure Nature’s Contribution to People
  • Embed Biodiversity at the Heart of Climate Action
  • Enhance the Evidence Base for Action on Biodiversity
  • Strengthen Ireland’s Contribution to International Biodiversity

The draft NBAP sets out a vision for an Ireland in 2050 in which biodiversity is valued, conserved, restored, and sustainably used maintaining ecosystem services, sustaining a healthy planet and delivering benefits essential for all people.

The draft plan is informed by an extensive review of national, European, and international policies, strategies, legislation and science. The NBAP will be Ireland’s main mechanism for engagement with ongoing policy developments at regional and global level including opportunities such as a new Global Biodiversity Framework, on the EU Biodiversity Strategy and Nature Restoration Law.  The final version of the Plan will be published in early 2023, to allow the recommendations of the ongoing Citizens’ Assembly on Biodiversity Loss to be considered.

Minister Malcolm Noonan said:

“We are launching this public consultation against a backdrop of unprecedented challenges for nature in Ireland and globally. How we collectively and collaboratively address these challenges will define not just our ability to halt biodiversity loss, but how we as a species will survive and thrive into the future. 

We have a lot of positives to draw from and inspire us. The Citizens’ Assembly on Biodiversity Loss and the parallel Children and Young People’s Assembly on Biodiversity Loss will help to inform us on the way forward, through new ideas, new ways of doing things and new ways of collaborating towards the conservation and restoration of nature in Ireland.” 

Minister Noonan said the Government is readying itself for the NBAP:

“The renewal of the National Parks and Wildlife Service through my action plan will strengthen our collective ability towards ensuring that the next NBAP is an all-of-government and all-of-society response to this great challenge. The recent 2nd National Biodiversity Conference, which included a stirring address by An Taoiseach, inspired all in attendance towards this great collective action,” he said. 

Minister Noonan urged the public to have their say:

“It’s really important that the next National Biodiversity Action Plan be in itself a living document. Yes, it must be actionable and impactful, but it must also reflect the different voices that will inform its content. I urge members of the public to have their say and engage with this public consultation.” 

The draft Fourth National Biodiversity Action Plan can be found at www.gov.ie/biodiversityplan where members of the public can also make their submission to the public consultation.

ENDS

September 23, 2022

Farmers praised as Irish corncrake numbers increase by 5%

Farmers praised as Irish corncrake numbers increase by 5%

Irish Corncrake numbers are increasing

  • Farmers praised for their role in 5% population increase
  • CorncrakeLIFE project and Corncrake Grant Scheme having an impact

At least 197 calling male corncrakes have been recorded in Ireland in 2022. This represents a 5% increase on the 188 birds recorded in 2021 according to the National Parks and Wildlife Service at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

The increase in numbers of the much-threatened bird has been welcomed by Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan TD.

Birds were recorded from five counties with Donegal showing a population of 110, Mayo 62, Galway 23, and both Sligo and Kerry have recorded one bird each.

Among the reasons for the increase is the Corncrake LIFE project, which aims to revive the conservation status of the corncrake and ensure it remains a part of rural landscapes for years to come. The project, which is in its second year and is managing almost 500 ha of farmland in cooperation with landowners and farmers across Donegal, Mayo and Galway, was launched earlier this year by Minister Noonan.

The Heritage Minister said this project has raised awareness of the corncrake amongst landowners, farmers and the public in such a positive way that it is now yielding an increase in the numbers of the bird.

“It’s testament to the project and its incredible work in the community that we are seeing a marked increase in Corncrake numbers, especially on its eight project sites. The call of the corncrake was once a ubiquitous sound in meadows and grasslands across Ireland. However, rapid changes to farming practices in the 1970’s spelled doom for the bird. Funding streams, such as the EU LIFE programme, and a change in farming has allowed my Department, working in conjunction with stakeholders in communities to put measures in place to help secure the future of this species, which remains a high conservation priority at a national and European level”.

Corncrake LIFE Project Manager Dr. John Carey said: “We have made some good progress in getting conservation measures in place with project participants and the result-based scheme has had a positive response from farmers. Overall bird numbers have increased in the LIFE project areas too, with some areas showing significant increases.”

He went on to say the locally led ACRES co-operation projects will have an important role to play in 2023. “We are working closely with them to ensure that farmers who select corncrake measures in the scheme will also have full access to the LIFE project and all the additional supports it brings with it. While numbers are moving in the right direction, there is still considerable work required to save the corncrake”

Minister Noonan also praised the Corncrake Grant Scheme, which is administered by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), for its role in the increase.

“It proved very popular this year with many farmers choosing to delay mowing until August and September. Wildlife-friendly mowing and the provision of refuge strips in fields was also taken up by the majority of participants,” Minister Noonan said.

NPWS Divisional Manger Denis Strong has been involved in corncrake conservation since the mid-90s and say the increase in numbers is down to the number of farmers coming on board.

“It’s great to see the birds doing well again, particularly in areas like the Mullet peninsula where they have increased by 37% on last year’s figures. It’s a testament to the many farmers who are involved in both the Corncrake LIFE project and those who took up the grant scheme which has been running successfully for many years now.” 

ENDS

Corncrake is a species listed for special protection under Annex 1 of the EU Birds Directive. Once synonymous with the Irish countryside, the population of Corncrake has declined by 85% since the 1970s, with a similar decrease in range, meaning that the species is now effectively confined to Connacht and Donegal, including offshore islands. Supporting Corncrake in these remaining strongholds is critical to the survival of this species in Ireland.

September 22, 2022

Heather cutting on the Knockmealdown Mountains

Heather cutting on the Knockmealdown Mountains

IFA Countryside were recently invited by ABGN Gun Club as they carried out vital conservation work on the glorious Knockmealdown mountains.  Also invited was Senator Garrett Ahearn.  AGBN raised concerns with Senator Ahearn about the ability to burn heather.

AGBN demonstrated how they manage the heather for one of our iconic game birds; the Irish Red grouse. In ideal conditions, strips of 10 metres wide and 100 metres long would be burned in a controlled manner before the deadline of 1st March.  Burning the heather provides a balance of both young and old heather which is essential for its survival.   Grouse feed mainly on heather.  The heather needs to be healthy and vibrant.  An ideal crop would have several stages of growth in any given area.

ABGN had been using controlled burning of the heather since 2004 but in the last number of years, adverse weather conditions involving heavy rainfall meant that this was not possible.  The Gun Club were adamant that this vital conservation work should continue so they found another method of controlling the heather.  They purchased a mulching head which is attached onto a hymac thus allowing mowing to take place even in adverse weather.

ABGN Gun Club had previously raised concerns with Senator Ahearn about extending the burning dates to allow them to burn the heather. They invited the Senator out to witness first hand their conservation efforts and the value of heather management. 

Many thanks to all members of ABGN Gun Club on their fantastic work in stabilising and indeed increasing grouse numbers on the Knockmealdown mountains.  Long may it continue.

March 23, 2022

New Website Launched on Rare Breeds and Conservation Grazing

New Website Launched on Rare Breeds and Conservation Grazing

The Irish Native Rare Breeds Society has produced a new website focussing on conservation grazing, with financial support from the National Parks & Wildlife Service. This website has just been launched: https://inrbs.ie

Conservation grazing is a tool that can be used to help achieve sustainable farming practices. In Ireland the use of indigenous traditional breeds are being promoted for the conservation grazing of natural and semi-natural habitats particularly in sensitive areas such as coastal areas and uplands.

John Brennan, Chairman of the Irish Native Rare Breed Society, launching the website said:

“The Irish Native Rare Breed Society (INRBS) is a society dedicated to the promotion of indigenous breeds of domesticated livestock. The society aims to facilitate cooperation between individual breed societies and others who are interested in the breeds for their own sake and those who see a use for the breeds in farming and areas such as land management. The society was originally The Irish Rare Breeds Society (IRBS) and has been in existence since the 1990’s. The INRBS was incorporated as a company limited by guarantee in 2019 as The Irish Rare Breed Society and following a vote at the 2019 AGM the name was changed to The Irish Native Rare Breed Society and this name change was put into effect by The Companies Registration Office in 2020. The society structure allows representatives of each of the indigenous breed societies to sit at board level with equal representation for all affiliated societies.”

Dr. Barry O’Donoghue, Head of Agri-Ecology in the National Parks & Wildlife Service said:

“Agriculture is more than just about food production. The Irish word for agriculture, ‘talmhaíocht’, captures its essence eloquently; working with the ground as opposed to simply taking from it. Agriculture is embedded in and wholly reliant on the natural environment. It can and has shaped our landscape and our natural environment. Much of Ireland’s habitats and species are directly dependent on agriculture. And as much a part of this nexus involving farming and ecology are the domesticated animals, bred over centuries to support and deliver, to carry and to pull, to provide and to be provided for. Our support for this website comes from a thirst for knowledge among farmers and researchers and practitioners. I am often asked for recommendations on stocking rates or practices for particular habitats or species. Every situation can vary, but we hope that this website can be a useful reference and resource to at least help. Over time, it is hoped that further information can be added and refined. There is great knowledge to be gained from older generations of farmers especially and we should make a conscious effort as a country to not lose that knowledge, which was built up over generations. It might ultimately hold the key to the future sustainable management of some of our most important areas for biodiversity.”

ENDS

Photo attached: Droimeann grazing in species rich grassland

March 8, 2022

Controlled Burning Period Must Be Extended to Include March – IFA

Controlled Burning Period Must Be Extended to Include March – IFA

The IFA National Hill Farming Chairman Cáillin Conneely has called on the Heritage Minister Malcolm Noonan to ensure the managed burning of gorse is allowed in March.

At a meeting with the Minister, Cáillin Conneely said the extension by a month will bring a number of benefits. It will allow better vegetative management; help farmers keep land eligible for various CAP schemes; and reduce uncontrolled wildfires.

“We want to maintain farming in these areas and we fully respect the ecological value of lands with gorse and certain types of grass species.  Without farming, these areas would go wild and the incidence of wildfires would significantly increase,” he said.

“The Minister must take account of how farmers manage their hill land responsibly.  Where land is burned, it’s done in a managed way.  Controlled burning will significantly reduce the possibility of uncontrolled fires in April and May like we have seen in the past”.

“Controlled gorse burning before the end of February can be difficult to achieve due to the wetter ground conditions. These conditions prove to be drier in March,” he said.

“Flexibility will allow hill famers to deal with the practical issues they face in managing their hill farms. Wildfires we have seen in the past can be avoided if the window is extended to include the month of March,” he said.

February 18, 2022

Mayo Rhododendron Control Project Launched 

Mayo Rhododendron Control Project Launched 

Community-led project in southwest Mayo to develop and test best practice methods in eradicating Rhododendron

Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Malcolm Noonan TD and Minister of State with responsibility for Community Development and Charities at the Department of Rural and Community Development and Department of Social Protection, Joe O’Brien TD have launched a pilot Rhododendron eradication project in the Bundorragha river catchment in southwest Mayo.

The non-native invasive species, Rhododendron (Rhododendron ponticum) presents an ongoing threat to the Irish natural environment and its eradication presents a significant national challenge. This project, conceived by local landowners, will develop and demonstrate a community-led Rhododendron control programme at the catchment level and will produce an action plan including best practice guidelines for communities and local authorities. The project will work with a range of stakeholders to develop and test best-practice methods for treating Rhododendron at different densities and maturity and provide recommendations for upscaling in other Rhododendron infestation sites.

The project is funded by the National Parks and Wildlife Service in the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage through the LIFE IP Wild Atlantic Nature programme. It will be coordinated by Leenane Development Association, who appointed a local ecologist, Conor Ryan, to oversee the delivery of the project. Martin Gavin, local farmer, acts as lead coordinator on behalf of Leenane Development Association.

The South West Mayo Development company are involved in the steering committee for this project and will be examining the ways in which the Rural Social Scheme can tie in with nature conservation projects such as this. The Rural Social Scheme provides a supplementary income for low-income farmers, fishermen or women who are unable to earn an adequate living and is run by the Department of Social Protection.

Speaking at today’s launch, Minister Noonan said:

“Working closely with farmers and local communities is essential to addressing environmental concerns. Locally-adapted conservation programmes such as this have the potential to benefit local communities and the environment. We can increasingly see the benefits of adopting multi-actor and multi-disciplinary approaches for dealing with complex environmental problems. This project epitomises this approach by bringing together all relevant stakeholders in the management of Rhododendron. That the project is conceived and driven by local farmers increases its chance of success.”

Minister O’Brien said:

“I am delighted that RSS participants are central to this important environmental project. The Rural Social Scheme is more than just an income support – it is a social inclusion and community development programme too.

But in addition this project shows that there is further potential and opportunity via the Rural Social Scheme for small farmers to play a significant and practical role in our biodiversity, climate and environmental challenges.”

According to Leenane’s Martin Gavin, lead coordinator in the project:

“Living and farming in Bundorragha you come to realise that you have inherited a legacy of a pristine landscape that is home to the best population of the Freshwater Pearl Mussel in Europe.  With the arrival of the Pearl Mussel Project EIP, it meant for the first time we had the expertise on the ground to show us what we were doing right and what we could do to help enhance the quality of the vegetation and water that is so important for the protection of this very rare species, which lives for up to 120 years. One of the biggest threats to the Freshwater Pearl Mussel is the invasive species Rhododendron as it could squeeze out the native upland vegetation in the catchment. When Rhododendron was first introduced into the area, little did anyone know how ideal the conditions were for it to really start to become a major problem. Therefore it’s really exciting that we have secured funding via LIFE IP Wild Atlantic Nature to put a programme in place that will hopefully eventually lead to the eradication of Rhododendron in the whole Bundorragha river catchment area.”

 

Editors Notes:

  • Rhododendron (Rhododendron ponticum) is a large perennial evergreen, acid loving shrub which is native to the Iberian Peninsula and Asia. It was introduced to Ireland during the 18th Century as an ornamental garden plant because of its attractive flowers. There are over 900 species of Rhododendron, but only Rhododendron ponticum is invasive in Ireland. Since its introduction, Rhododendron has escaped into the wild and is particularly invasive in the west, north-west and south-west of the country. Rhododendron thrives on acidic soil in areas with mild, moist climatic conditions. Rhododendron is an aggressive coloniser which is both environmentally and ecologically damaging to infected sites. Once established, it forms dense, long-lived thickets which smother the ground flora and suppress the regeneration of native trees and shrubs. Well established thickets eventually form a toxic layer of leaf litter which produces a dark sterile environment and supports little wildlife. Rhododendron is an invasive species which may take several years to eradicate from a site.

February 16, 2022

IFA to Meet Asst Commissioner from An Garda Síochána on Rural Crime

IFA to Meet Asst Commissioner from An Garda Síochána on Rural Crime

IFA Countryside Chairman Brian Rushe said the recent attacks on elderly people in rural communities were very concerning.

IFA will be meeting the Assistant Commissioner of An Garda Síochána Paula Hillman next week to discuss what measures can be taken to make communities safer.

“Whatever resources are needed to assist the Gardaí in their work have to be made available. We will be encouraging the farming community to provide whatever help they can to support the work of the Gardaí. Apprehending those responsible requires a co-ordinated response,” he said.

Brian Rushe said the victims of these attacks were targeted by gangs and subjected to horrific assaults. “Nobody should feel under threat in their own home.”

“The communities of these victims now feel vulnerable and unsafe because of the attacks. We will be working with Assistant Commissioner Paula Hillman to develop community policing that gives a greater sense of security to those living in rural areas,” he said.

Ends.

February 10, 2022

Reminder on hedge cutting and the law

Reminder on hedge cutting and the law

The National Parks & Wildlife Service (NPWS) of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage is reminding the public the cutting, grubbing, burning or other destruction of “vegetation growing in any hedge or ditch” between 1st March and 31st August is prohibited.

The prohibition is contained in section 40 of the Wildlife Act 1976*. Suspected breaches are investigated by the NPWS and An Garda Síochána.  The NPWS took 31 section 40 prosecution cases in 2021 and it hopes that fewer will be necessary this year.

In Ireland, our relatively low cover of native woodland makes our hedgerows exceptionally important for biodiversity.  Hedgerows provide botanical diversity as well as food and shelter for animals, most notably birds.  They also act as corridors connecting habitats. Untrimmed, thorny hedges are favoured by birds, but birds may nest in any hedge.

The prohibition outlined above does not apply (unless done by burning) in a number of circumstances set out in the Act.  For businesses, landowners and the general public the most notable of these exemptions are:

  • The destruction, in the ordinary course of agriculture or forestry, of any vegetation growing on or in any hedge or ditch. In the Act, “agriculture” is defined as including horticulture. Since horticulture includes gardening, the summertime trimming of hedges in the ordinary course of gardening falls under this exemption;
  • The clearance of vegetation in the course of road or other construction works or in the development or preparation of sites on which any building or other structure is intended to be provided;
  • The felling, cutting, lopping, trimming or removal of a tree, shrub, hedge or other vegetation pursuant to section 70 of the Roads Act 1993.

Section 70(2) (a) of the Roads Act 1993 provides that “The owner or occupier of land shall take all reasonable steps to ensure that a tree, shrub, hedge or other vegetation on the land is not a hazard or potential hazard to persons using a public road and that it does not obstruct or interfere with the safe use of a public road or the maintenance of a public road”.  NPWS recommends that such “reasonable steps” are taken between 1 September and 28 February, where possible.

It should also be noted that it is an offence under Section 22 of the Wildlife Act 1976 to wilfully destroy, injure, or mutilate the eggs or nest of a wild bird or to wilfully disturb a wild bird on or near a nest containing eggs or un-flown young birds at any time of the year.

Help protect nature!  If you see what you suspect to be a hedge-cutting offence you can report it to your local NPWS office (see www.npws.ie/contact-us) or your local Garda station. Since enforcement staff might not be able to respond immediately, you should take a note of the date and time, and note any vehicle registration numbers involved. Photographs (especially of vehicle number plates) can also be helpful, but there is no need to send them to the NPWS or the Gardaí when reporting.)

Ends

January 25, 2022

‘Check, Clean, Dry’ Campaign to protect Irish Waterways launched by Leave No Trace Ireland, the National Biodiversity Data Centre and Partners

‘Check, Clean, Dry’ Campaign to protect Irish Waterways launched by Leave No Trace Ireland, the National Biodiversity Data Centre and Partners

Wednesday 19th January: A new initiative to raise awareness about the spread of harmful invasive plant species and the impact of litter on Irish waterways has been launched by Leave No Trace Ireland in partnership with Waterways Ireland, the National Biodiversity Data Centre, Sport Ireland, Canoeing Ireland, Inland Fisheries Ireland, the Marine Institute, Outdoor Recreation Northern Ireland, Sport Northern Ireland and supported by the National Parks and Wildlife Service.

The ‘Check, Clean, Dry’ Campaign’ aims to raise awareness about biosecurity and the impacts of litter and is calling on the public to play their part in protecting Ireland’s waterways.

Launching the campaign, Padraic Creedon, Ecologist with Leave No Trace Ireland said biosecurity is all about reducing the risk of introducing or spreading invasive species and harmful disease in rural and urban environments.

“Ireland is facing an increased threat of invasive alien species in and on its waterways. These are non-native species that have been introduced by human intervention, outside their natural range that can threaten our native wildlife, cause damage to our environment, economy and human health.  Water Soldier, (Stratiotes aloides), chub and pink salmon are just some of the species threatening Ireland’s waterways.”

John McDonagh, Chief Executive of Waterways Ireland added: “Waterways Ireland is delighted to partner on this important campaign with Leave No Trace Ireland. Our inland waterways are rich ecological and heritage corridors, enjoyed by a variety of recreational users.  The introduction or spread of invasive species, both terrestrial and aquatic, is of key concern as it negatively impacts our native biodiversity and can seriously disrupt people’s enjoyment of the waterways.  We would strongly urge our users to adopt the Check, Clean, Dry approach so we can all work together to preserve this valuable resource for current and future generations.”

Malcolm Noonan TD, Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform, also expressed his support for the ‘Check, Clean, Dry’ Campaign’. The Minister noted that tackling invasive alien species is vital to our efforts to halt biodiversity loss and that the Programme for Government provides for development of a new National Invasive Species Management Plan.

“Invasive species are a serious threat to our biodiversity, and I fully support the efforts of Leave No Trace and their partners in this new campaign to raise awareness about Check Clean Dry protocols. I’m delighted to see my Department’s strong engagement in this initiative through Waterways Ireland and the National Parks and Wildlife Service, and hope that it will help to improve vital biosecurity measures all over this island’s waterways. Through the British Irish Council, the NPWS also engages with counterparts in Great Britain to encourage water users on both sides of the Irish Sea to apply these simple but effective measures.”

The new campaign is asking anyone who goes out on the water to help in reducing the risk of spreading invasive species and disease by following the Check, Clean, Dry principles.

  • CHECK boats, equipment, clothing and footwear for any plant or animal material, including seeds, spores and soil. Pay particular attention to areas that are damp or hard to inspect.
  • CLEAN and wash all equipment, footwear and clothes thoroughly. If you do come across any plants and animals, leave them at the water body where you found them.
  • DRY all equipment and clothing for at least 48 hours – some species can live for many days or weeks in moist conditions. Make sure you don’t transfer water elsewhere. (NOTE: If complete drying is not possible then disinfect everything).

Information and updates on the ‘Check, Clean, Dry’ Campaign will be available on the National Biodiversity Data Centre’s new invasive species website www.invasives.ie, through Leave No Trace Ireland’s website and its partners’ social media channels.

Media Contact: Derek Cunningham 086-2430535

Note to Editors:

Invasive alien species

Invasive alien species are species that have been introduced (deliberately or accidentally) by humans and have a negative impact on the economy, wildlife or habitats of the island of Ireland. Our activities are the main cause of the arrival of invasive species. Many species are deliberately released, like species of fish for angling. Others have escaped from our gardens and farms like the American mink and giant rhubarb. Some arrive as hitch hikers and stowaways with imported goods or other species such as the New Zealand flatworm.

The number of high impact invasive alien species introduced into Ireland has increased by 183% from 1961 to 2010. Research carried out in 2013 indicated that the combined estimated annual cost of invasive species on the economies of both Ireland and Northern Ireland is £207,553,528 (€261,517,445), with an estimate of a combined UK and Ireland cost of £2 billion (€2.5 billion).

Since the 17th century invasive species have contributed to nearly 40% of all animal extinctions for which the cause is known. Invasive alien species can transform the structure and species composition of ecosystems by repressing or excluding native species. Because invasive species are often one of a whole suite of factors affecting particular sites or ecosystems, it is not always easy to determine the proportion of the impact that can be attributed to them.

Organisations

Leave No Trace Ireland is Ireland’s only outdoor ethics programme, which promotes the responsible use of the outdoors. Through education, research and partnerships, Leave No Trace Ireland enables and supports individuals, communities, organisations and companies in reducing the environmental impact of outdoor activities.

Waterways Ireland is one of the six all-Ireland North/South implementation bodies established under the Belfast Agreement in 1999. It is responsible for the management, maintenance, development, and restoration of inland navigable waterways primarily for recreational purposes.

National Biodiversity Data Centre works to make biodiversity data and information more freely available to better understand and assist the protection of Ireland’s biodiversity.

Sport Ireland is the authority tasked with the development of sport in Ireland. This includes participation in sport, high-performance sport, anti-doping, coaching, and the development of the Sport Ireland Campus.

Canoeing Ireland was formed in 1960 and is registered as a limited company in order to provide liability protection for its members. It is recognised by the Irish Sports Council and the Olympic Federation of Ireland (OFI) as the governing body of the sport and recreation of canoeing in Ireland. It is affiliated with the International and European Canoe Federations.

Inland Fisheries Ireland protects, manages and conserves Ireland’s inland fisheries and sea angling resources.

Marine Institute is the state agency responsible for marine research, technology development and innovation in Ireland.

Outdoor Recreation Northern Ireland is a not-for-profit organisation who make it easier for people to responsibly enjoy the outdoors.

The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage is responsible for implementing legislation and policy on invasive alien species in Ireland.

Sport Northern Ireland is the leading public body for the development of sport in Northern Ireland. Their mission is to lead sports development at all levels.

 

Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage Press Office

Tel: (01) 888 2638 (direct)

Email: [email protected].gov.ie

Website: gov.ie/housing

Twitter: @DeptHousingIRL

January 20, 2022