36 local community projects around the country have been allocated a total of €458,000 in funding under the expanded Peatlands and Natura Community Engagement Scheme 2024.
The scheme, which is overseen by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), supports local initiatives to conserve and revitalise Natura 2000 Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) and Special Protection Areas (SPA) and all peatland areas.
The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage said that the scheme aims to promote public engagement with and awareness of natural heritage and the environment.
It is aimed at community-led projects and volunteer groups, who play an important role in helping to promote and implement conservation and restoration in Ireland.
Scheme
The projects set to benefit from the funding span sixteen counties: Galway; Donegal; Westmeath; Offaly; Limerick; Kerry; Cavan; Tipperary; Clare; Roscommon; Louth; Monaghan; Laois; Cork, and Wicklow.
The initiatives include winterage events in Galway, mapping rhododendron in Kerry, restoring sand dunes in Waterford and a nationwide Bog Academy.
The department said that the projects approved this year support the following activities:
- Development and maintenance of amenities
- Conducting surveys to inform management plans for Natura 2000 and peatland sites
- Public outreach, such as the production of information booklets, brochures and training manuals, awareness and education events, education programmes and hosting of seminars with expert speakers
- Invasive species training and management.
Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan said that he was impressed by the diverse and creative initiatives proposed for the funding scheme.
“The Peatlands and Natura Community Engagement Scheme is a collaborative scheme which draws on the local community’s deep connection with our natural heritage.
“Through empowering local communities, we can safeguard our precious ecosystems, enhance biodiversity, and mitigate the impacts of climate change, ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come,” he said.