Irish Examiner view: Conservation plans will not be fulfilled without money

The bald fact is that we have never protected nature well and, as a nation, we are failing to provide the resources necessary to meet environmental targets, both notional and real

That an ever-increasing number of habitats have been designated as “inadequate” or downright “bad” is a sad indictment of a country which brags openly about the pristine beauty of its land.

Thu, 15 Jan, 2026 - 01:00

The pressure on government resources has never been greater than it is at present, with all manner of sectoral pressures being piled on the exchequer for cash to assist in a dizzying array of much-needed supports.

But our unique environment — one of the main selling points for Ireland Inc — is one area where under-resourcing is reaching a critical touchpoint. If it is not swiftly addressed, it is something we will very quickly come to regret.