New Bill will support management of Dowth National Park

The Government is to develop a National Parks Bill which will place Dowth National Park on a dedicated statutory footing for the first time, the Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan, announced on Friday.

The legislation will support integrated conservation of both the natural and cultural heritage of the area while providing for public access, education and research.

The proposal to develop the Bill was brought to Cabinet last week by Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne.

"To date, National Parks have been cared for through a range of legislative and administrative arrangements. Today’s announcement on the development of a dedicated, comprehensive legislative framework will enable the State to go further by establishing management planning and governance frameworks, developing transparent designation processes, facilitating public access, recreation, education and research, and aligning Ireland with international best practice," Minister O'Sullivan stated.

Dowth encompasses one of Ireland most significant archaeological landscapes, centred on the Neolithic passage tomb of Dowth, together with its historic Georgian estate and riparian grasslands along the River Boyne. It includes several habitats that support a rich diversity of wildlife, including kingfishers, otters, bats and numerous butterfly species.

Minister O’Sullivan added: "The forthcoming National Parks Bill will represent one of the most significant developments in nature conservation legislation in the history of the State, and it couldn’t come at a more important time. We know that we need to lead nature restoration on public land, and our National Parks are central to achieving this. I want Ireland’s first National Parks Bill to make the goal for these amazing places crystal clear: to protect and restore nature.”

“Dowth is a landscape of extraordinary cultural and natural significance. The legislation will provide a strong framework to protect and manage this unique area while enhancing its value for future generations.”

Maurice Eakin, regional manager, Dowth National Park, welcomed the news, saying: “The introduction of dedicated National Parks legislation will support the long-term stewardship of this important landscape, helping to integrate conservation, restoration, education and visitor management within a single framework.”

Niall Ó Donnchú, the director general of the National Parks and Wildlife Service, added: “I warmly welcome the Government’s decision to draft a Bill to provide a modern statutory framework for the designation and stewardship of our National Parks. As we look to the future, it is essential that our National Parks are supported by legislation that is fit for contemporary purpose: legislation that clarifies operations and management across the National Park system. It must also strengthen our authority and enforcement powers as we in NPWS work tirelessly to protect these extraordinary natural gems."