Rural Life
Kerry TD Michael Healy-Rae has said "far greater urgency" is needed to address the "growing difficulties" facing people trying to build.
Environment
To date, approximately 423 farmers have engaged with the Farming for Water European Innovation Partnership (EIP) within the River Blackwater (Munster catchment) area.
A TD has raised a number of concerns over the review process into the Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) the NPWS maintains.
A new initiative to be funded to the tune of €4.35 million aimed at protecting the corncrake has been announced.
Schemes
Over €4.4m has been awarded for protection of Ireland’s heritage buildings.
A scheme to allow people to avail of expert advice in restoring and maintaining traditional houses is now open for applications.
The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is currently seeking tenders for fightfighting and monitoring services for its sites.
Recommendations from an advisory body on the Nature Restoration Law are due to be published in the coming weeks.
€1.1 million has been allocated to support biodiversity conservation projects through the Peatlands and Natura Community Engagement scheme.
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Martin Heydon has welcomed the continued progress of the Breeding Waders EIP.
Measures are being considered for after the Cessation of Turf Cutting Compensation Scheme closes, to "continue to support the conservation of these sites".
The National Parks and Wildlife Service of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage is working to review and update wildlife legislation.
€1.1 million has been earmarked for works to thatched buildings under the Built Heritage Investment Scheme.
The process is currently underway of developing Ireland's National Restoration Plan ahead of a September 2026 deadline.
2025 has seen an increase in the number of people participating in training courses for skills such as thatching and drystone walling.
A public consultation has been launched to identify the challenges and pressures on Ireland's water environment.
Dairy
The sixth Nitrates Action Programme (NAP) has now been officially published by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan has launched the...
Further public consultations as part of the process of finalising the new Nitrates Action Programme (NAP) have now been launched.
€42 million has been allocated to key targeted water quality initiatives in 2026, including the Farming for Water EIP.
The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage has confirmed that there has been further sightings of the Asian hornet in Ireland.
Cattle have returned to the island of Inis Bó Finne for the first time in over 25 years as part of conservation efforts.
Firefighters were called to 144 fires in agricultural buildings in 2024, according to data from fire services throughout the country.
