Fórsa has welcomed the recent announcement of increased funding and meaningful engagement on a strategic plan for the national parks and wildlife service (NWPS). But the union said it will be insisting on full consultation in advance of any proposed changes.

A Government-approved strategic action plan for the NPWS, published earlier this week, sets out an ambitious timeline for a full restructuring of the NPWS alongside a €55 million investment in the organisation across three budgetary cycles.

This will included the early recruitment of 60 staff for critically important roles. Budget 2022 had allocated €47 million for the NWPS, but this was only on par with the funding for the service at 2008 levels.

Fórsa official Shay Clinton said the proposed new executive agency status for NPWS was particularly welcome as the service had not received the resources or status required, having been moved from one Government department to another over recent years.

“New EU regulations and responsibilities without matching funding and staffing has placed increasing pressures on staff structures over recent years. This was reflected in the review and is no surprise to the union who surveyed members and made a detailed submission on same,” he said.

The recent review said that extra staffing for the NPWS was urgently required, and called for an independent assessment of the NPWS staffing requirements currently and in the period ahead.

The new strategic action plan aims to deliver a more resilient, better resourced, and better equipped organisation to play its part in Ireland’s response to the biodiversity emergency, on the national and international stage.

The plan will also equip the NPWS with the organisational capability and supporting structures to enable it to deliver its mandate in protecting our natural heritage.

“The implementation of the strategic plan up to 2024 is achievable although there are many recommendations in the review which will require more government investment,” said Shay and pointed to the fact that the review acknowledged the ongoing commitment and dedication of staff, while highlighting the need for greater leadership and improved internal communications.

Shay further clarified that although the proposed new agency is currently under the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government, there “needed to be stability and longer-term commitment particularly during the implementation of a new strategic plan.”

Fórsa is ready and willing to engage with management on improving services and staffing levels. The union represents all technical and professional grades along with administrative staff within the NPWS service.

The announcement fulfils a commitment contained in the Programme for Government, providing for a significant investment in, and a renewal of, the National Parks and Wildlife Service. Read the strategic action plan HERE.