New National Parks legislation to strengthen protection of Glenveagh National Park
Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan TD, has today (Friday 24th July 2026) announced his intention to develop a National Parks Bill which will place Glenveagh National Park on a dedicated statutory footing and establish nature conservation and restoration as the primary purpose of its management.
The proposal to develop the Bill was brought to Cabinet earlier this week by Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD.
Glenveagh National Park, spanning approximately 17,000 hectares, lies in the heart of County Donegal, among the wild and rugged landscape of the Derryveagh Mountains. Its network of protected habitats and species, along with its numerous trails that include the stunning Victorian Castle and Historic flower Gardens on the shores of Lough Veagh, make Glenveagh the ideal escape for lovers of the natural world.
To date, National Parks have been cared for through a range of legislative and administrative arrangements. Today’s announcement on the development of a dedicated, comprehensive legislative framework will enable the State to go further by establishing management planning and governance frameworks for National Parks, whilst developing transparent designation processes, facilitating public access, recreation, education and research, and aligning Ireland with international best practice.
The proposed National Parks Bill will provide a dedicated statutory framework for conservation and management across the park.
Minister O’Sullivan said:
“The forthcoming National Parks Bill will represent one of the most significant developments in nature conservation legislation in the history of the State, and it couldn’t come at a more important time. We know that we need to lead nature restoration on public land, and our National Parks are central to achieving this. I want Ireland’s first National Parks Bill to make the goal for these amazing places crystal clear: to protect and restore nature”
He continued:
“Glenveagh demonstrates how effective conservation can support species recovery and landscape restoration whilst facilitating and educating visitors about our need to protect the natural world. This legislation will help secure those achievements well into the future.”
Emmet Johnson, Regional Manager, Glenveagh National Park, welcomed the news and said:
“The legislation will ensure the long-term protection of Glenveagh National Park for future generations, while supporting ongoing conservation success stories such as the return of the golden eagle to Ireland and more recently the restoration of native woodland.”
Niall Ó Donnchú, Director General, NPWS said:
“I warmly welcome the Government’s decision to draft a Bill to provide a modern statutory framework for the designation and stewardship of our National Parks.
As we look to the future, it is essential that our National Parks are supported by legislation that is fit for contemporary purpose: legislation that clarifies operations and management across the National Park system. It must also strengthen our authority and enforcement powers as we in NPWS work tirelessly to protect these extraordinary natural gems.
We look forward to working closely with Minister Browne and Minister O’Sullivan in drafting this important legislation, ensuring that it provides a robust foundation to safeguard our National Parks for the generations to come.”