Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 February 2026
391. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the steps being taken by his Department to address ‘unfavourable’ conservation status of 90% of Ireland’s protected habitats, according to the “The Status of EU Protected Habitats and Species in Ireland, 2025: Summary Report”; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13963/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder Article 17 of the Habitats Directive, Member States are required to report to the European Commission on the National Conservation Status of all habitats and species listed in the Annexes of that directive. Published every six years, the assessment presents a comprehensive overview of the conservation status of the 59 habitats and 60 species in Ireland that are protected under the EU Habitats Directive.
The recently published report finds that 90% of Ireland’s protected habitats are in ‘unfavourable’ conservation status, while 51% are showing deteriorating trends across their national ranges. The report indicates early signs of recovery in areas where focused conservation efforts have been made, with 9% of habitats showing improving trends. There are further positive findings for species, with 58% in ‘favourable’ conservation status and over two-thirds showing either stable or improving trends.
To address the conservation status of EU-protected habitats, the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of my Department has implemented several strategic measures focused on restoration and community engagement. Restoration is being implemented for many habitats, notably Active Raised Bogs, which have increased by 7% between 2018 and 2024 due to reduced drainage and extraction. Furthermore, a management framework for blanket bogs is being rolled out, involving national Good Practice Guidelines and the implementation of Restoration Action Plans (RAPs) across SAC sites.
Site-specific plans have been developed such as the Glenveagh Woodland Management Strategy. This strategy focuses on removing invasive species like rhododendron and managing deer populations to protect ancient oak woods. Similar strategies are planned for further rollout across other national sites. Significant improvements are driven by EU LIFE projects, including LIFE on Machair (for coastal grasslands), LIFE INSULAR (for dunes), and LIFE IP Wild Atlantic Nature (for blanket bogs and associated habitats), which empowers local communities through the Natura Communities network.
My Department also leads on the Water Action Plan 2024, that includes investment in wastewater infrastructure and a new River Barriers Mitigation Programme to assist species like salmon and lamprey.
The €1.5 billion Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES) provides targeted actions for semi-natural vegetation, while the Forestry Programme 2023-2027 incentivises native woodland planting. Through the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan, nature-positive management has led to a 14% increase in the area of Hay Meadows, with over 66% now achieving good ecological structure and function. Since 2020, there has been a significant increase in NPWS staff numbers and strategic investments in land acquisition. This investment will enhance the capacity to roll out conservation measures for many habitats. Coillte has a goal of expanding the land managed primarily managed for nature and biodiversity in their estate to 30%.
Ireland is committed to scaling up conservation efforts in the next 6-year period, including by developing a national Nature Restoration Plan, as required under the EU Nature Restoration Regulation. This plan will aim to halt and reverse the decline of Annex I habitats, with the EU’s Nature Restoration Regulation setting legally binding restoration targets.
