Press release: Monday 17 November 2025
Minister for Health and Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine jointly publish Ireland’s third One Health National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance 2026-2030 (iNAP3)
The Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill TD, and Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD, today published Ireland’s third One Health National Action Plan to address Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) 2026-2030, known as iNAP3. This plan is the successor to Ireland’s second National Action Plan on AMR 2021-2025 (iNAP2) and was developed jointly by the Department of Health, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the Environmental Protection Agency. The publication of iNAP3 coincides with European Antibiotic Awareness Day (EAAD) on 18 November and World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW) which runs from 18 to 25 November.
Building on the strong foundations laid under iNAP1 (2017-2020) and iNAP2 (2021-2025), iNAP3 (2026-2030) reinforces Ireland’s commitment to tackling the growing global threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) through a One Health approach – recognising the interconnection between human health, animal health and the environment.
Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill said:
“The World Health Organization has declared that antimicrobial resistance is one of the top 10 global public health threats facing humanity. This threat requires a multisectoral approach across human, animal, and environment health to preserve the effectiveness of antimicrobials for future generations. With this National Action Plan, iNAP3, we have demonstrated that Ireland is fully committed to a collective approach to combating antimicrobial resistance. However, its success will depend on continued commitment from every sector and from each one of us.
“Since the publication of our first iNAP plan in 2017, significant progress has been made in tackling antimicrobial resistance in the health sector, and I would like to thank all healthcare workers for their efforts in this regard.”
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD, said:
“Antimicrobial resistance remains one of the greatest global health challenges of our time. Ireland’s One Health approach, as reflected in iNAP3, continues to ensure that our collective actions continue to protect the health of people, animals, and our shared environment.”
Minister Heydon added:
“Ireland’s farming and veterinary communities have shown real leadership in reducing antimicrobial use and embracing best practice to optimise animal health. The agricultural sector will continue working hand in hand with our partners in health and the environment to sustain progress under iNAP3.”
The launch of iNAP3 alongside World Antimicrobial Awareness Week highlights Ireland’s ongoing leadership and commitment to global efforts in combatting AMR, ensuring that antimicrobials remain effective for future generations.
Both Ministers acknowledged the ongoing support and collaboration with stakeholders, particularly the members of the National Interdepartmental Antimicrobial Resistance Consultative Committee for their advice and guidance in relation to the development of the plan.