Meath County Council awarded over €100,000 for biodiversity projects
The announcement was made by Minister for Housing, Heritage and Local Government James Browne, TD, and Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity Christopher O'Sullivan, TD.
The funding comes under the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) Local Biodiversity Action Fund (LBAF), a scheme established in 2018 to help local authorities implement biodiversity actions at local and regional levels. Since its creation, almost €11m has been distributed through the fund.
Minister James Browne said: 'Local authorities are playing an essential role in protecting our biodiversity and the Local Biodiversity Action Plan recognises that role. Through these projects, each local authority will make a unique impact on their local biodiversity, but is also part of a bigger picture across the country.
He added: 'I welcome the focus on partnership, research and best practice. I wish all of those involved the very best with the work and look forward to hearing more as they progress.'
Minister Christopher O'Sullivan highlighted the range of work being undertaken: 'I'm really impressed with the diversity of projects funded this year. The Local Biodiversity Action Fund will enable every local authority around the country to enhance their actions on biodiversity, including research and recording of our unique species, from the Irish Mayfly, Woodland Bats to barn owls, and management of precious habitats such as meadows and wetlands.'
Meanwhile Ben Malone, Biodiversity Officer with Meath County Council, also welcomed the support.
He said: 'We're delighted with the support received this year through the Local Biodiversity Action Fund. Our projects in Meath build on the success of previous years, supporting people to create habitats for wildlife, managing our own lands better for biodiversity, addressing urgent conservation needs and adding to our state of knowledge on biodiversity in the county.'
Among the projects funded in Meath this year are:
County Meath Wetland Survey – Phase 1
County Meath Tree, Woodland and Hedgerow Survey – Phase 1
Invasive Alien Species Project – Quagga Mussel in Lough Sheelin
Invasive Alien Species Project – Common Cordgrass in the Nanny Estuary
Recording Irish Mayfly – establishing conservation status
The Hare's Corner – assisting landowners to create new habitats for biodiversity
Commons of Lloyd Biodiversity and Conservation Agriculture Project
Continuation of Barn Owl Conservation Project
Development of the Woodland Bat Monitoring Scheme
Community biodiversity initiatives and outreach support
This funding is said to support the objectives of Ireland's 4th National Biodiversity Action Plan, Actions For Nature, launched in January 2024. For the first time, the plan has been published on a statutory basis under the Wildlife Amendment Act 2023, requiring public bodies to integrate biodiversity into their policies and report on progress.
By 2050, the plan envisions that 'Biodiversity in Ireland is valued, conserved, restored and sustainably used, maintaining ecosystem services, sustaining a healthy planet and delivering benefits essential for all people.'
Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme
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