IFA Calls on Minister to Publish Draft Nature Restoration Plan

IFA Environment & Rural Affairs Chair John Murphy has acknowledged the work undertaken by Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan and the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) in submitting Ireland’s draft National Restoration Plan to the European Commission by the Sept 1st deadline.

He said Ireland was one of eight Member States to meet the deadline, but the focus must now be on publishing the Plan so that farmers can properly review the detail and engage in the next phase of its development.

“IFA has engaged constructively in the development of the draft Plan through the Independent Advisory Committee, Leaders’ Forums, Community Conversations and three regional meetings held by IFA to coincide with the first public consultation.”

He said farmers want to be actively involved in shaping the measures that will affect their land and livelihoods, to ensure that their knowledge and concerns are properly reflected in the Plan.

He said farmers raised significant concerns during the regional meetings, including:

• Lack of clarity on what is being proposed, with the draft Plan largely focusing on measures already being undertaken by farmers.
• Legacy issues on designated lands, which are not delivering for farmers or for habitats and species.
• Legal certainty around voluntary participation, with farmers raising genuine concerns about how measures can be considered voluntary where there are legal obligations.
• Funding and compensation, including the need for long-term financial commitments and ring-fenced European and national funding.
• Fairness and leadership on State-owned land, with the State needing to take a greater share of responsibility for delivering restoration.
• Partnership and trust, with the Plan developed with those directly affected and recognising the knowledge and contribution of farmers to restoration.

IFA is calling on Minister O’Sullivan to publish the draft Plan and the report on the consultation process.

“The full detail of the submitted Plan needs to be made available. There is a significant amount of work to be done before the final Plan is submitted in September 2027, and stakeholders need sufficient time to properly consider what is being proposed and meaningfully engage in its development,” said John Murphy.

The second round of public consultation is expected to take place in summer 2027, providing a further opportunity for farmers to consider the Plan before it is finalised.