Over €110,000 in funding for biodiversity projects in Louth

€118,885 has been awarded through the Local Biodiversity Action Fund (LBAF) to eight projects in Louth, it has been confirmed today by Malcolm Noonan TD, Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform. 

Over €2.5 million is being awarded to local authorities across the State to carry out biodiversity projects through the Local Biodiversity Action Fund (LBAF) and €193k is being granted to the natural history recording community through the Small Recording Grants scheme.

A total of 188 projects have been approved across all 31 local authorities, covering a range of biodiversity-related activities, including invasive alien species control, dune restoration, wetland surveys and biodiversity awareness and training. Projects approved in Louth this year include:

• €36,550 to the Baltray Little Tern Conservancy
• €17,000 for hedgerow laying
• €17,000 for Swifts conservation
• €12,750 for Biodiversity Enhancement Plans
• €12,750 for conservation measures in Clogherhead SAC
• €12,750 for the Dune Protection Plan
• €6,481 for the Barn Owl Survey and Conservation
• €3,604 for Biodiversity Awareness panels at Ginnety’s Pond

Operated by the National Parks and Wildlife Service of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, the LBAF was first launched in 2018. Since then, a total of just over €6m has been granted to local authorities through the LBAF for projects that support actions in the 3rd National Biodiversity Action Plan (NBAP). This year’s grants will build on that investment. 

Commenting on the funding, Minister Noonan said that the Local Biodiversity Action Fund is "an enormously impactful scheme that supports local authorities and communities to deliver on Ireland’s national objectives for nature, from invasive species to habitat restoration to awareness-raising to surveys and monitoring work.

"As more and more Biodiversity Officers join the ranks of our local authorities, I know that the benefits for nature and people that this Fund provides are only going to grow.”

The news of the funding was welcomed by Louth TD, Fergus O'Dowd. Commenting on the funding, Deputy O'Dowd said, “In particular I would like to congratulate the Baltray Littler Tern Conservancy on the allocation of over €36k. Little terns continue to be at significant risk and protecting their nesting grounds in Baltray is extremely important. 

The Fine Gael TD added “The funding announced today will support the council and our local communities to strengthen our biodiversity objectives. Hopefully the funding will also encourage more people to become involved in our local biodiversity.”