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.

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.