Green Limerick: Free biodiversity event to welcome eager beginners

Future of Moths and Butterflies in Ireland Conference to take place in the Castle Oaks hotel, Castleconnell

A “PIVOTAL” biodiversity event is set to take place in Limerick, offering a “unique opportunity for beginners” to learn about ecosystems in their area.

Limerick City and County Council has confirmed that the Future of Moths and Butterflies in Ireland Conference is to take place in Castleconnell this June.

“This pivotal biodiversity event offers a unique opportunity for beginners to learn about the significance of butterflies and moths as pollinators and how to monitor them for citizen science projects,” a spokesperson said.

Bringing together a diverse group of speakers, experts, policymakers, Tidy Towns groups and individuals, participants will be invited to discuss strategies to protect and enhance outcomes for these vital pollinators.

This free, national conference will take place across Thursday, June 5 and Friday, June 6 at 2pm each day at the Castle Oaks Hotel, Castleconnell.

It is a key initiative under the recently adopted Limerick Biodiversity Action Plan 2025-2030.

Biodiversity officer at Limerick City and County Council, Sinead McDonnell, said: “This is a great opportunity for beginners to discover the importance of butterflies and moths as pollinators and learn how to monitor moths and butterflies for citizen science projects.

“Amateur enthusiasts and professional experts will get the latest updates on butterfly and moth conservation in Ireland.”

The conference is organised by Limerick City and County Council in collaboration with the National Biodiversity Data Centre, Heritage Council, National Parks and Wildlife Service (Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage), and the Limerick Branch of the Irish Wildlife Trust.

Funding for this event is provided by the National Parks and Wildlife Service Local Authority Biodiversity Action Fund and Limerick City and County Council.