New National Parks legislation to strengthen protection of Wicklow Mountains 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 Wicklow Mountains 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.
At approximately 23,500 hectares, Wicklow Mountains National Park is Ireland’s largest land-based National Park and includes the internationally recognised landscape of Glendalough valley, the Glendalough and Derrybawn oak woodlands, extensive blanket bogs and heathlands across the mountain range, and cultural value in its past including mining, farming and monastic histories. With close proximity to Dublin and hinterlands, Wicklow Mountains National Park has very high recreational use by the public.
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 legislation will provide enhanced protection for sensitive habitats while helping to manage increasing visitor pressures.
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:
“Wicklow Mountains National Park protects landscapes and wildlife of exceptional value while providing millions of people with opportunities to experience nature. This legislation will help ensure that conservation remains at the heart of its future management.”
Damian Clarke, Regional Manager, Wicklow Mountains National Park welcomed the news and said:
“This proposed legislation for National Parks will be fundamental to our management of Wicklow Mountains National Park, for nature first and foremost, and also for our visiting public and local communities.”
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.”