Social Democrats climate spokesperson, Jennifer Whitmore, has said the government must publish a "scathing" report showing underinvestment in the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS).

Following what she claims was the "refusal" of Taoiseach, Micheál Martin to announce the publication date in the Dáil this week, Whitmore said:

The Taoiseach responded by saying that the contents of the report were currently under review.

The Wicklow TD further claimed that parts of the report were leaked to the media which revealed the "chronic underinvestment" in the NPWS, with the report stating that “Ireland’s record of accomplishment in nature protection has been dismal”.

The publication is vital considering the "severe biodiversity crisis" Ireland is facing, added Whitmore.

In 2019, 85% of protected habitats in Ireland were in an unfavourable condition, while 43% of protected species were deemed unfavourable, according to Whitmore.

Whitmore concluded:

"This report will be crucial in explaining the decline of our protected habitats and will provide clear insight about where funding needs to be targeted."

Meanwhile, Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Malcolm Noonan, recently announced that the Local Biodiversity Action Fund will receive funding of €1.5 million in 2022.

The fund for local authorities supports locally-led projects in line with the National Biodiversity Action Plan. A further €600,000 will be allocated towards the Biodiversity Officer Programme.

Through the funds, local authorities are able to start projects addressing nature loss in their area, Minister Noonan said:

The funding scheme is operated by the NPWS and in 2021, all 31 local authorities sought funding.