Independent Advisory Committee on Nature Restoration Report

The recently published Independent Advisory Committee on Nature Restoration report sets out a broad vision for how Ireland can meet its obligations under the EU Nature Restoration Regulation.There is a strong emphasis on long-term investment, restoration of public lands, and support for farmers, fishermen and foresters. The CIF welcomes many of the report’s high-level objectives, particularly the calls to:

• Fund nature restoration,
• Prioritise restoration on public lands, and
• Support farmers, fishermen and foresters through practical incentives and ecosystem service payments.

The report also recognises the importance of integrating biodiversity, green infrastructure and nature-based solutions into future development and planning policy. In principle, CIF supports the objective of delivering high-quality housing and infrastructure that contributes positively to biodiversity, placemaking and community wellbeing. The construction industry has an important role to play in delivering greener, more resilient developments and many members are already incorporating biodiversity measures, sustainable drainage systems, pollinator planting and enhanced public realm design into projects.

However, CIF notes that while farming and environmental stakeholders were represented on the Independent Advisory Committee, there was no direct representation from developers or the wider construction sector. As a result, some recommendations relating to housing and development do not fully reflect the practical realities of housing delivery, planning complexity, viability pressures and existing biodiversity-related obligations already facing developers. CIF continues to advocate for a balanced, evidence-based approach that supports nature restoration while also enabling the timely delivery of housing and critical infrastructure.

CIF believes that future policy development in this area should include meaningful engagement with the construction sector and focus on practical, proportionate measures to support biodiversity enhancement alongside housing delivery. This includes providing clearer guidance, streamlined processes, technical supports and potentially targeted incentives for developers who incorporate biodiversity-positive measures into projects.