328. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide a detailed breakdown of the funding provided for nature restoration. [50403/26]

The EU Nature Restoration Law (NRL) entered into force on 18 August 2024. It sets out a framework for EU Member States to restore nature, with binding targets for the restoration of a wide range of ecosystems including rivers, forests, oceans, urban and agricultural areas, as well as protected habitats and species. Ireland has until 1 September 2026 to submit a draft National Restoration Plan to the EU Commission, setting out how we intend to achieve these legally binding targets.

The process of developing this Plan is underway and the draft National Restoration Plan (NRP) template will be submitted to the European Commission by 1 September 2026. In early 2027 the EU Commission will submit formal feedback on the NRP, and the draft NRP will be revised based on this feedback. In September 2027, the final National Restoration Plan template will be submitted to the EU Commission.

Estimating the costs involved in implementing the Plan is part of the process. While the Nature Restoration Plan remains under development it would be premature to make specific funding requests to effect its implementation.