LaoIs council wants farmers for pond creation scheme
Opportunity for Laois landowners to create a biodiversity pond
Laois farmers are being invited to participate in a new project which will see them being paid to create or revitalise a pond on their land to support biodiversity and wildlife.
Laois County Council says it is delighted to announce a funding opportunity for local farmers through ReFarm Laois 2026, a pilot project that will support the creation of large wildlife ponds on farms throughout 2026.
The council says that as part of the innovative project, farmers will also receive an annual payment based on the condition of their pond, reflecting its value for nature and society.
The local authority says ponds will be created primarily to support biodiversity and wildlife. However, they are particularly interested in sites where ponds could bring additional benefits, such as helping to manage water flow/flooding.
County Hall says the ponds will also create much-needed vital habitat for Ireland’s amphibians and endangered invertebrates as large areas of their natural habitat have been lost over the last century.
Apart from supporting nature, the council claims wildlife ponds are a great way to enhance personal wellbeing.
It is hoped that the project will create about one acre of new wildlife pond habitat across 10 farms. Places are limited and selection will depend on factors including site suitability, ability to complete works within the project timeframe, and the overall mix of participating farms.
The project will be funded by Laois County Council, through the Local Biodiversity Action Fund (LBAF), which is operated by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) to support delivery of the Laois Biodiversity Action Plan. Additional private sector and philanthropic funding will be provided through ReFarm.
Interested farmers are advised that a pond advisor will visit your site (at no cost to you) and provide advice regarding pond location, drainage, connectivity, and other matters.
To qualify, your pond should not interfere with existing natural watercourses or displace ‘species-rich’ habitats. Participants will be required to allow your pond to colonise naturally and not to plant it.
The minimum pond size is 150 m² with the maximum is 600 m² (ideally several ponds in one area). Depth must be <1m; deeper ponds require planning permission.
Payment rates: €5.44/m² for up to 150m², €4.76/m² (150–400m²), €2.38/m² (400–600m²). Max covered size is 600m²; larger sizes at your own cost. Pond liners are not covered.
Maintenance fees are paid based on pond condition and area, assessed annually (2027–2029) via a simple ‘pond report card’ with three images. Farmers will be required to submit reports between July 1 and August 31. Payment is issued by EFT after approval. ReFarm may validate scores via site visits.
Farmers are advised that ponds on free-draining ground are not ideal. Pulling water from existing watercourses is not permitted. Participants will not be permitted to use pond liners.
Applicants must demonstrate that dual funding does not occur, i.e., claiming double payments for the pond.
The applicants will be required to state why they want a pond and what the wider landscape habitats (e.g. woodlands, hedgerows, scrub, grassland) are around the area of the proposed pond.
Ghost ponds or existing wetland ponds will be given priority during the application process. Ghost ponds are ponds which have been infilled in the landscape. Farmers who are not sure if they have a ghost pond or not can check out the historical maps on OSI to see if they have a ghost pond on the National Irish Historic Maps Dashboard HERE.
The closing date for expressions of interest is Friday, June 26. To express your interest, farmers can complete a short form at Refarm Wildlife Pond Expression of Interest online at https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=TFzzZw5fFE-FEjHXH_Vr5gB5SlHJlAJDkcjRMg1tKm5UREZLOUVKT0VETzYyUTRVR0Q4VDI3R0xDRS4u