Minister Malcolm Noonan Welcomes Nature and Heritage Package in Budget 2025

The Minister for Nature, Heritage and Electoral Reform Malcolm Noonan approved of the nature and heritage conservation measures announced as part of Budget 2025. These measures include increased investment in the protection of habitats that support vulnerable species, commitment to meeting EU and International obligations, continuing the implementation of Heritage Ireland’s 2030 plan, a 15% increase in funding for operations undertaken by the National Monument and National Built Heritage Services, increased capital support for the Community Monuments Fund, Built Heritage Investment Scheme and the Historic Structures Fund, extended roll out of professional heritage positions in Local Authorities, investments in the maintenance of waterways.  

Speaking about the investments and measures given to the heritage and nature conservation sectors in Budget 2025, Minister Noonan said:  

“This government has delivered another record budget for nature and heritage this year. We’ve announced funding of €172m which will protect and restore nature, conserve and enhance our built heritage and our national monuments. This investment is up by over 11% from last year and includes €90 million in capital funding along with €82 million in current funding. 

This Budget demonstrates this Government’s continued commitment to protecting our biodiversity, water quality and heritage. We have now seen a €100 million increase in core funding for heritage over the lifetime of this Government.” 

“Overall funding for the NPWS will increase by over 25% from last year, to a total of €78 million. €29 million of this will protect, restore and enhance our National Parks and Nature Reserves. I’ve also committed an additional €6.5 million for Science, Research and Nature Protection, to enable us to protect and restore species and habitats in the wider countryside, meet our legal obligations under the Birds and Habitats Directive, and support our ongoing work to bring wildlife criminals to justice. 

“We are increasing the funding for water quality by €4.5 million to almost €40 million, up 13% on 2024. This will enable us to invest in the protection and restoration of our rivers, lakes and estuaries in line with our obligations under the Water Framework Directive, and to work with farmers, state bodies and local authorities to improve water quality.” 

“Over €27 million in this Budget will support even more communities across the country to conserve their local built heritage and archaeological monuments. I’m also delighted to announce an increase in funding for the Heritage Council, to almost €19 million. This will enable them to continue to raise public awareness of, and engagement in our heritage, to grow their grant programmes and support Local Authorities as a key partner in nature and heritage.”