Environmental Policy Seanad Éireann — 2026-09-29 ============================================================ Kieran O'Donnell (FG), Limerick City Once again, I thank Senator Rabbitte for bringing forward for discussion this issue, which I am taking on behalf of Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan, the Minister of State with responsibility for nature, heritage and biodiversity. Conservation of biodiversity requires action in protected areas and across the wider landscape. Under the implementation of the national biodiversity action plan 2023-2030 and the forthcoming national nature restoration plan, the Government is pursuing a range of measures to protect, restore and enhance habitats and species throughout the State. These efforts are supported by partnership between national and local government, community groups, landowners and other stakeholders. The Department, through the NPWS, will continue to work with the relevant bodies to advance biodiversity conservation objectives and to support the long-term protection and restoration of Ireland's natural heritage. No doubt, the Department and the Minister of State will be keeping an eye on the debate today and on the particular matters the Senator raised. As I said, I will bring them to the attention of the Minister of State, Deputy O'Sullivan, and the Department. --- Source: Houses of the Oireachtas. Licensed under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). The Official Report is revised after first publication; the fetch timestamp below identifies the version quoted. Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/seanad/2026-09-29/debate/main Retrieved: 2026-10-05T01:00:59+00:00 Sitting date: 2026-09-29