Green Party at the Heart of Nature Restoration Law Approval

Green Party Ministers Eamon Ryan TD and Malcolm Noonan TD were in Luxembourg to announce Ireland's backing of the EU Nature Restoration Law (NRL), which received final approval from the EU Environment Council on June 17, 2024.

The NRL, a key part of the European Green Deal, has overcome strong opposition and misinformation campaigns. Scientists, businesses, and millions of Europeans supported the NRL for its role in rejuvenating biodiversity across the continent.

The Green Ministers led efforts to rally support, including a joint letter from 11 Member States crucial to securing approval.

The NRL targets restoring Ireland's unique habitats like ancient woodlands, blanket bogs, coastal lagoons, and species-rich grasslands. This benefits endangered species and aims to enhance biodiversity in forests, farmland, and urban areas.

Healthy ecosystems provide essential services supporting societies and economies. Neglecting restoration risks food and water security, worsens extreme weather impacts, and increases pest outbreaks, depriving future generations of nature's wonders developed over millennia.

Bláithín Gallagher, Chair of the North West Greens, expressed her support, thanking the Green Party ministers and former MEPs who worked tirelessly to make this happen. Gallagher said: "This significant step forward in restoring nature across the European Union is a testament to the dedicated efforts of individuals, NGOs, and concerned bodies throughout the EU and in Ireland.

"We must unite against divisive narratives that pit urban against rural, farmers against environmentalists. Urgent action on environmental and biodiversity issues is essential for everyone's future, including farmers.

"Together, we can forge a sustainable future where clean air, clean water, and the wonders of nature are preserved and protected.

"Our shared responsibility is to ensure that the benefits of nature restoration are understood and embraced by all communities. This law not only protects our natural heritage but also enhances the well-being of our societies by mitigating climate impacts, promoting sustainable agriculture, and fostering opportunities through eco-tourism and green jobs.

"Together, we can build a resilient ecosystem that supports both human and environmental health for generations to come."

Speaking in Luxembourg, Minister Ryan said: “This is a good day for nature and a good day for the millions of
people who have understood and campaigned for the vital importance of protecting and restoring our natural world.

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"It also underpins the importance of having the Green Party and the Green Group in the European Parliament. We championed the Regulation through its complicated passage to this point, but not without listening and responding to the concerns of others and bringing other politicians with us to support it.

"The only way we can protect nature and biodiversity is if we work together, in our own local communities and as a wider European community.

"Now our job is to ensure that there are adequate funds and supports in place to ensure that the people at the very coalface of nature protection are well paid and that their livelihoods are also protected.”

Minister of State for Nature, Malcolm Noonan TD, said: “Ireland has led from the front on nature restoration over the last
two years, and that is down to the Green Party.

"We negotiated hard to ensure cross-party support in Government, brought the overwhelming majority of the opposition with us, secured the votes of Irish MEPs at a critical time when we thought all might be lost, advocated for nature among our European colleagues, and delivered a Climate and Nature Fund of €3.15bn to support the implementation of the NRL at home.

"If the story of the Nature Restoration Law – which has faced down powerful political headwinds in Europe – isn’t a testament to the value of the Green Party in this Government, I don’t know what is.”

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Over 18,000 farmers are involved in ACRES projects, and 130 are in water quality initiatives with the National Federation of
Group Water Schemes. Efforts also include Bord na Móna restoring 33,000 hectares of peatland and Coillte enhancing biodiversity on 90,000 hectares by 2030.