Marine ecosystems in Donegal, upland and coastal ecosystems in Carlingford, Co Louth and coastal ecosystems in Clare are among themes of a series of national “community conversations”.
The series has been initiated by Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan and relates to the Nature Restoration Law.
Ten events will be held across the country, from Killybegs, Co Donegal to Carlingford, Co Louth in September and October.
The events will be led by an independent team of expert facilitators using participatory engagement techniques, O’Sullivan says.
Attendees will be invited to envision the kind of natural environment they want for the future, explore what the Nature Restoration Law means for their region and share perspectives on how it could be delivered.
Dr Aoibhinn Ní Shúilleabháin, Chair of the Independent Advisory Committee on Nature Restoration, said “Ba mhaith linn an cuireadh a leathnú amach chuig Gaelgóirí, go háraithe chuig an cruinniú i gCondae Ciarraí”.
“Tuigeann muintir na háite a gcuid talún agus na farraigí thart orthu,” she said.
“ Local people and communities know their lands and seas best, they know what works and what does not, and we want to hear from them to ensure our recommendations are as positive and impactful as possible.”
The initiative has also been endorsed by Director General of the National Parks and Wildlife Service, Niall Ó Donnchú.
The “Community Conversations” are being facilitated by a team of independent delivery partners – ACT and Hometree – on behalf of the Independent Advisory Committee on Nature Restoration and the National Parks and Wildlife Service.
Dates are as follows:
- September 14th – Lahinch, Co. Clare – focus on coastal ecosystems
- September 25th – Iveragh, Co. Kerry – focus on upland ecosystems
- October 2nd – Killybegs, Co. Donegal – focus on marine ecosystems
- October 5th – Askeaton, Co. Limerick – focus on agricultural ecosystems
- October 11th – Carlingford, Co. Louth – focus on upland and coastal ecosystems
- October 18th – Ballyforan, Co. Roscommon – focus on peatland ecosystems
- October 28th – Newtownmountkennedy, Co. Wicklow – focus on urban ecosystems
- October 30th – Phibsboro, Co. Dublin – focus on urban ecosystems
Two online events will also be held towards the end of October. Details of these will be published on RestoreNature.ie
Full details of events are available on RestoreNature.ie/get-involved
