Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan has today (Monday, March 4) announced grant funding for 78 community biodiversity action plans.
The projects, focused on endangered species and habitats, including protecting vulnerable bird species and developing nature reserves.
The grants are the latest in a joint biodiversity fund, an initiative of the Community Foundation Ireland and the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS).
Since 2019, 213 such action plans have been developed across the country through a joint investment of €1.76 million.
Biodiversity
Each local project will have access to experts to either develop a new community biodiversity action plan (CBAP) or support to implement measures from an existing plan.
Minister Malcolm Noonan said that the grants are “uniquely impactful” due to this approach.
“Successful grantees work with ecologists to create a community biodiversity action plan and can then seek funding to implement it.
“All of the data they collect is shared with the National Biodiversity Data Centre, making a valuable contribution to citizen science in Ireland,” he said.
“It’s vital that we empower communities to restore nature at grassroots level, especially as the National Biodiversity Action Plan takes root.
“Over the coming years, local authorities will also be developing local biodiversity action plans.
“Active, informed and engaged communities will help us ensure that policy-making for biodiversity is a two way street: top down and bottom up,” Minister Noonan added.
Grants
The latest grant round worth a total of €376,000 will see communities supported in every part of the country, in both rural and urban areas.
Among the successful projects being supported are:
- Planning for the regeneration of an 11ac island on the River Nore at Thomastown, Kilkenny with the engagement of an ecologist to work with and guide the local Community River Trust;
- A new biodiversity action plan for all three Aran Islands to protect the corncrake, currently a red listed bird. Locally based co-operative Comharchumann Fuinnimh Oileáin Teoranta will work with farmers and landowners to create habitats for this endangered species;
- River Moy Search and Rescue, Mayo County Council, farmers, and local communities working together to develop biodiversity along the Moy estuary and at river and lake in the catchment area. Farmers will be supported to put in place measures to prevent pollution of Ballymore Lough.
Denise Charlton, chief executive of Community Foundation Ireland added:
“This is a pioneering partnership between Government and philanthropy which has not only supported more than 200 communities but has provided leadership in responding to the biodiversity emergency.
“While the challenge is great, what is hugely encouraging is the interest, energy, and enthusiasm of the full spectrum of local groups now taking action to protect our plants and wildlife.”