Tipperary Native Joe MacGrath Appointed To Independent Advisory Committee On Nature Restoration

The Minister for Nature, Heritage and Electoral Reform and the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine have announced the names of the members included in the Independent Advisory Committee on Nature Restoration.  

Included in the committee is Joe MacGrath from Nenagh in Tipperary. Mr. MacGrath has previously held the position of Chief Executive of Tipperary County Council which he was appointed to in 2014 and held until his retirement in 2024.  

Comprised of six members in total this Independent Advisory Committee will provide guidance to the Minister in relation to Ireland’s Nature Restoration Plan. The committee members will also work to make certain that the views of stakeholders, members of the public and key groups and sectors are sufficiently addressed in the Nature Restoration Plan.  

Speaking about the Independent Advisory Committee, the Minister for Nature, Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan said: “From the very start of the debate around the Nature Restoration Law, I’ve been clear that everyone’s voices will be heard, that decisions will be made on the basis of the best available evidence and that the development of Ireland’s Nature Restoration Plan will be co-designed with stakeholders in a spirit of collaboration, understanding and partnership. The wealth of experience on our Independent Advisory Committee will ensure that the Minister responsible will be well supported to deliver an ambitious, inclusive and impactful Plan that can empower all sectors to restore nature at scale.” 

The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue added: “Farming and nature are connected with farmers and fishers being the custodians of much of our landscape and marine areas. It is critical that they are central to development of our national plan. We sought and secured important flexibilities under the regulation, such as recognising the contribution of state-owned lands and the voluntary nature of actions at individual farm level. Farmers and fishers have proven themselves to be supportive of improving our national biodiversity, provided they have their voice heard in such plans and the correct structures and supports are in place. The advisory committee will be important in contributing to this process.”