The annual general meeting of Fórsa’s Conservation Rangers branch has unanimously passed a motion calling for all necessary steps to be taken to advance a grading review in light of wider and increased responsibilities over the last 10-15 years.

The union says arising from the increased responsibilities to the role, Fórsa and the branch committee made a submission to management in 2019, setting out how the role has changed.

The AGM, held earlier this month, heard that further work involving the ecological assessment of planning applications, agricultural works and infrastructural projects, and the introduction of EU directives on birds and habitats, also underlined the need for the review. There will also be an increased requirement for ecological assessments and follow-up prosecutions.

In addition, the expansion of visitor attractions and the management of habitats, and an increase in surveys to be carried out on scientific species and habitats, formed part of the urgent calls to advance the review.

Fórsa assistant general secretary Shay Clinton said that, while biology or related sciences were desirable, there was an imminent need for the qualifications for the posts to be updated. “The reality is that practically all conservation rangers are highly qualified with a masters degrees or doctorates,” he said.

The union is also frustrated that the draft format for the review of the National Parks and Wildlife Services has not been made available , even though the review was to be completed at the end of the summer.