692. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for an update on the National Nature Restoration Plan. [64706/26]

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 had 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 draft National Restoration Plan (NRP) template was submitted to the European Commission on the 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.