Call to Action

Help Make Ireland’s Nature Restoration Plan Better for Birds

The national stats aren’t new—63% of Ireland’s 212 bird species are in serious trouble, 90% of our important wildlife habitats are in poor condition, and we are far behind in protection of marine areas for seabirds and dolphins. It represents one of the poorest environmental records of any European country. Birds are indicators of the health of our environment and declining populations tell us that it is in bad shape.

In 2024, the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union adopted the Nature Restoration Regulation (NRR) (EU) 2024/1991, which aims to restore at least 20% of EU land and sea habitats by 2030, and all ecosystems by 2050. All member states are required to submit a Nature Restoration Plan (NRP) by 1 September 2026.

As part of the drafting process, the Irish Government has opened up a one-month consultation period for members of the public and stakeholders to make submissions that will shape Ireland’s draft NRP.

BirdWatch Ireland has already done the legwork of researching where restoration for birds is needed and now we need your help to tell the Government to include our evidence-based recommendations.

Be a Voice for Birds – Send this letter to Minister O’Sullivan

The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage has opened a public consultation period, which will run until 30 June, 2026. There are three ways to share your voice; complete their consultation form, email them directly, or send a submission by post.

We are asking you to send them an email at nationalrestorationplan@npws.gov.ie and say:

Dear Minister O’Sullivan,

We ask for you to integrate the findings of the BirdWatch Ireland Restoration Plan for Red and Amber Listed Bird Species of Conservation Concern into the National Restoration Plan linked here and please ensure that nature restoration is properly funded. This includes the incorporation of:

  • 457 km2 of moorland habitat identified in Natura 2000 sites (340 km2 in Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) and 117 km2 of moorland in Special Protection Areas (SPAs) for restoration for bird species
  • 118 km2 of lake and turlough habitat area of opportunity identified in 17 Natura sites (55 km2 in 10 SACs and 63 km2 in 7 SPAs )for restoration for bird species
  • 91 km2 of estuarine / intertidal habitats identified around our coast identified for restoration for bird species
  • 57 km2 of wet grassland and fen habitats identified in Natura 2000 sites (40 km2 in SACs and 17 km2 in SPAs) for restoration for bird species
  • Additionally, we ask to ensure that birds that frequent our towns and cities are not placed at risk by greening measures. Urban birds like Brent Goose need open green fields free from disturbance; Swifts that nest in buildings need legal nest hole protection and policies that support insects.
  • We can all play our part but government must properly incentivise state and local agencies, private landowners, farmers, foresters and fishers to restore nature for wild birds
  • Monitor the restoration actions so that we know that results are being achieved
  • We need to fund the national nature restoration plan so that the habitats for wild bird populations will be restored
  • Please also address the issues identified in the BirdWatch Ireland Plan.

Thank you.

Yours sincerely,

Your name

Thank you!