A report detailing the work of the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) in 2024 has been published by the government.

Among the notable highlights in the report is the increase of national parks from six to eight, including the establishment of Ireland's first marine national park, Páirc Náisiúnta na Mara Ciarraí in Co. Kerry.

National parks in Ireland saw over 5.5 million visitors in 2024, according to the report.

2024 also saw the publication of Ireland's fourth National Biodiversity Action Plan, which is the first to be backed by legislation and legal requirements for public bodies to "embed biodiversity and report their progress".

The report also said that protection of waters in Ireland increased from 2% to 9%, including the 'Seas off Wexford' Special Protected Area (SPA).

The report noted that peatland habitat restoration measures were completed on an area of more than 565ha across eight protected raised bog sites under NPWS programmes.

On the issue of "wildlife crime", the report said that the NPWS enhanced collaboration with other enforcement agencies, including An Garda Síochána, with 30 new prosecution cases for alleged breaches of wildlife legislation.

Throughout 2024, the NPWS continued to administer seven LIFE projects, including the LIFE 'integrated projects' (IPs) such as Wild Atlantic Nature and the Corncrake LIFE.

The purpose of these projects, according to the NPWS, is to protect and restore Ireland's habitats and species.

Other projects include Tochár Wetlands Restoration, and a new European Innovation Partnership (EIP) for breeding wader birds.

Commenting on the NPWS report, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne said: "Notable achievements for the NPWS last year included the acquisition of land for nature; the expansion of national parks; rolling out a range of conservation projects; and strengthening partnerships with communities around the country.”

“I would like thank NPWS staff around the country for their exceptional work to protect our valuable natural heritage for all of us and future generations," Minister Browne added.

Also commenting on the report, Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity Christopher O’Sullivan said: "Our National Parks and Nature Reserves are vital ecosystems which combat climate change, protect biodiversity and provide spaces for recreation, mental wellbeing and the enjoyment of Ireland’s wild landscapes.

“Ensuring that the NPWS has the resources it needs to thrive is essential to safeguarding these spaces for the species which depend on them for survival, along with the 5.5 million people who visited and enjoyed Ireland’s national parks last year," Minister O' Sullivan added.

Niall Ó Donnchú, Director General of the NPWS, said: "A wide range of NPWS initiatives, projects and funding streams are now delivering positive change for nature.

"Partnership with communities, farmers and landowners has been key, and I would like to pay tribute to them for their ongoing collaboration," Ó Donnchú.