EPA submission in response to the Public Strategy Consultation by the National Parks and Wildlife Service on its Draft Strategy Statement 2023-2025. In the submission the EPA recognises the need for an appropriately resourced and focused NPWS, with clearly defined strategic priorities and objectives, in the context of the urgent biodiversity and climate crises. The NPWS is an important stakeholder of the EPA’s. We cooperate and coordinate on several common work areas in the interest of protecting Ireland’s environment. Points raised in the submission include those on collaboration, implementation and enforcement of legislation, the Natura 2000 network and regulatory processes. Further observations are included in an Appendix.
Request for access to information held by The Heritage Council relating to “Agendas/minutes of meetings, and copies of reports produced by or for the Task Force Review of NDBC in 2021-22
Presentation from the Managing Director of Compass Informatics – Gearoid O’Riain
The presentation outlined detail in the following areas:
Potential Vision for the National Biodiversity Data Centre
What has been done so far
Information on the skilled teams
Opportunities and Challenges
Detail on multiple overlapping projects
Components
Association and Branding
Agri Biodiversity Evidence team
Biodiversity Evidence team – for EPA
Marine Biodiversity Evidence Team
Biodiversity Education & Awareness Team
V. Teehan gave an update on the concept document she produced based on advice from Council’s legal advisers following the agreement at the last meeting that a company by guarantee would be the best way forward.
The process would involve seeking Government approval for the establishment of a Company Limited by Guarantee for the purposes of collecting and recording of biodiversity data
If Government approval is given to the proposed approach, then the Taskforce could proceed to determine the recommended composition of the first Board of the new Company as well as the proposed Constitution, Memorandum and Articles of Association and details of governance and proposed staffing arrangements, etc. The detailed recommendations would also require Government approval.
Concept document
C. Ryan would seek advice within the Department and revert back to the Chairperson and V. Teehan with a briefing note prior to the next meeting
Comparative Terms of Reference document from Atlas of Living Australia
2 June 2021 Meeting
TRANSITION PLAN – PRESENTATION BY HUGH O’SULLIVAN, CROWE CONSULTING
Operating Agreement and the Articles of Association
Over the period 2017-2019, the Heritage Council examined the financial governance, contract management and overall administration of the programme. In 2019 The Heritage Council commissioned an independent review of the governance structures of the National Biodiversity Data Centre. The review was conducted by Crowe Ireland.
That one of the recommendations from the review was the establishment of the taskforce to oversee the implementation of the recommendations. The taskforce will report back to the Board of the Heritage Council on a regular basis. The CEO informed the committee that it is her intention to establish quarterly meetings with the NBDC to track progress on the KPIs as outline in the Service Level Agreement (SLA).
Gearoid O’Riain. The presentation outlined detail in the following areas: – Potential Vision for the National Biodiversity Data Centre – What has been done so far – Information on the skilled teams – Opportunities and Challenges – Detail on multiple overlapping projects – Components
– Association and Branding – Agri Biodiversity Evidence team – Biodiversity Evidence team – for EPA
Note: the preparatory work circulated for this meeting
That D. Hobern and P. Greene briefed the committee on the application of lessons from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) and other biodiversity initiatives at an international level to the future needs and direction for the NBDC.
Preparation of high level confidential interim report to go to the Heritage Council Board on June 24th outlining the recommended approach of the taskforce
Schedule a workplan for the detail issues in second half of this year
V. Teehan presented the team with the draft Interim Report she produced for discussion and approval today for the Heritage Council Board meeting on June 24th
From 1-1-21 to date information on all instances where the Forest Service / Forestry Division of DAFM has referred or notified cases to the NPWS where there has been a breach or potential breach of the Birds & Natural Habitats Regulations (SI477 of 2011) as a result of forestry activities.
All action taken by NPWS as a result of the referral / notification
Cahiracon Wood, Clare – records redacted relating to ongoing court case
The NPWS requires services for the research and mapping of a proposed Biosphere Reserve, public consultation phase and completion of UNESCO standard application documents for submission to NPWS.
