News

Minister O’Sullivan announces intention to draft National Parks legislation

Date Released: Friday, July 24, 2026

Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan TD, has today (Friday 24th July 2026) announced his intention to develop a National Parks Bill. This new legislation will put Ireland’s National Parks on a statutory footing for the first time and establish nature conservation and restoration as their primary management purpose.

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

Ireland’s National Parks represent some of the State’s most important natural assets, protecting landscapes, habitats, species and ecosystems of exceptional national and international significance. Until now, National Parks have been established and managed through a range of legislative and administrative arrangements. However there is no comprehensive statutory framework dedicated specifically to their designation, governance and management. The development of a dedicated legislative framework will align Ireland with international best practice and enable the State to provide a coherent and enduring basis for their protection, restoration and management.

Minister O’Sullivan said:

“The forthcoming National Parks Bill will constitute one of the most significant developments in nature conservation legislation in the history of the State, and it’s coming at a really 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 primary purpose of these amazing places crystal clear: to protect and restore nature. The legislation will also provide for a governance and management framework that is capable of responding to contemporary environmental challenges, including biodiversity loss, climate change and increasing recreational pressures. This includes management planning, conferring powers to make byelaws that will regulate certain activities within National Parks, and enabling the prohibition or restriction of certain other activities, where necessary, alongside appropriate enforcement powers and sanctions.”

As well as placing Ireland’s National Parks on a clear and comprehensive statutory footing and establishing the conservation, restoration and enhancement of nature as the primary management objective of National Parks, the legislation will set out  a transparent process for the designation of new National Parks and the expansion of existing National Parks. It will also facilitate public access, recreation, education and research, where consistent with the conservation objectives of National Parks.

Minister O’Sullivan added:

“I’m grateful for the support of colleagues across Government, who saw the value in developing this foundational piece of legislation. As we prepare Ireland’s Nature Restoration Plan, and endeavour to implement the recommendations of the Independent Advisory Committee on Nature Restoration, it’s vital that we make our commitment to leading on public land abundantly clear. This legislation will do that, and ensure that Ireland’s National Parks will be managed for nature in perpetuity. I look forward to engaging with all stakeholders as the General Scheme takes shape.”

Niall Ó Donnchú, Director General, NPWS, said:

“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.

We look forward to working closely with Minister Browne and Minister O’Sullivan in drafting this important legislation, ensuring that it provides a robust foundation to safeguard our National Parks for the generations to come.”

Over the coming months, a General Scheme will be developed in consultation with relevant Government Departments, State bodies, local authorities, environmental stakeholders, landowners, community interests and other interested parties.

Further Information

The National Parks and Wildlife Service is responsible for the management and presentation of eight National Parks in Ireland. They include:

  • The Burren National Park (Co. Clare)
  • Connemara National Park (Co. Galway)
  • Dowth National Park (Co. Meath)
  • Glenveagh National Park (Co. Donegal)
  • Killarney National Park (Co. Kerry)
  • Páirc Náisiúnta na Mara, Ciarraí (Dingle, Co. Kerry)
  • Wicklow Mountains National Park (Co. Wicklow)
  • Wild Nephin National Park (Co. Mayo)

For more information visit the National Parks website.