Minister O’Sullivan announces intention to place Killarney National Park on statutory footing through new National Parks Bill
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 Killarney 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.
Killarney National Park, extending to approximately 10,900 hectares, is home to Ireland’s only native herd of red deer and internationally important oak and yew woodlands surrounding the Lakes of Killarney.
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, developing transparent designation processes, facilitating public access, recreation, education and research, and aligning Ireland with international best practice
The proposed legislation will strengthen the long-term protection and management of these unique habitats while providing a modern governance framework to support nature restoration, visitor management and scientific research.
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:
“Given what we’ve seen in recent weeks with fires devastating both Killarney and Wicklow Mountains National Parks, it’s overwhelmingly clear to me that Rangers need stronger enforcement powers. I want the legislation to ensure that they can issue significant on-the-spot to for people who break the rules, such as bringing disposable bbqs into our most valuable and vulnerable wild places.
Killarney National Park is one of Ireland’s greatest natural treasures. This legislation will ensure that its exceptional woodlands, lakes and wildlife are protected and restored for generations to come, while providing a strong statutory basis for its future management.”
Eamonn Meskell, Divisional Manager, Killarney National Park welcomed the news and said:
“This legislation will provide a clear and enduring framework for the management of Killarney National Park. It will strengthen our ability to protect native woodlands, support species conservation and respond to the challenges of biodiversity loss and climate change while continuing to welcome visitors from across Ireland and around the world.”
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.”