Cork TD calls for greater transparency in national parks staffing

A Cork TD has called for greater transparency in staffing of the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), saying that several key roles in Cork are vacant.

Speaking in the Dáil East Cork Social Democrats TD Liam Quaide said the level of under-resourcing in East Cork and Waterford has been “baffling.”

“In East Cork, we have had no ranger for approximately 12 of the last 15 years. There has been no district conservation officer for 18 months and no regional manager in place for years over East Cork and Waterford.

“It is difficult to give precise figures for these vacancies, because the department (of Heritage) has been incredibly opaque in response to questions I have submitted on recruitment to the NPWS."

Bizarrely

“In one response, the minister referred to ‘perceived vacancies’, as if we were all imagining those roles being vacant. Also, bizarrely, the department will not give details of staffing by geographical area for ‘operational security reasons’. The department also will not give any information on recruitment campaigns being undertaken,” said Mr Quaide.

“Meanwhile, hedgerows and trees are being trashed with impunity and the whole idea of habitat protection looks more like a bad joke in this country.

“When are we going to see more transparency from the department on staffing of the NPWS? When are we going to see those crucial roles in East Cork and Waterford filled?”

Taoiseach Micheál Martin said in response that there has been “huge investment in recruitment”.

“The investment in the NPWS has more or less doubled since 2020. I took a personal interest in this. I worked previously with the then minister, Malcolm Noonan, on it and continue to work on it with the Minister of State, Deputy Christopher O’Sullivan.

“Recently, we announced a €700,000 lifeline for Fota Wildlife Park through the NPWS because of the understanding work that Fota does in respect of conservation of particular species and so forth. I will engage with NPWS in respect of the issues the deputy has raised to see if we can throw some light on the situation.”