Laois biodiversity projects get big funding boost

Community groups in Laois are set to benefit from funding of almost 100,000 for local biodiversity projects.  Funding of €95,253 has been allocated to Laois under the Local Biodiversity Action Fund established to help local authorities implement actions in support of biodiversity.

Among the successful projects was Laois Biodiversity Awareness on the Portlaoise Orbital Route which will receive funding of €26,749. €10,000 has been allocated to tackle Japanese Knotweed in Laois, €10,000 will go towards a study on ecosystem services and € 20,000 for a nature based solutions project.

Laois received  €14,462.81 for the Council to undertake a baseline tree survey, €2,500 for an Abbeyleix Road Verge Planting Project, €6,576.20 for a Laois Barn Owl Project, €3,966.95 for a Laois In Your Nature project and € 1,000 for Biodiversity Borrow Boxes. 

Welcoming the funding for the nine Laois projects Fine Gael Deputy William Aird said: “I’m delighted to see funding for local projects which are so important to County Laois. I want to commend the commitment of all those involved in these projects, to protecting and enhancing our local biodiversity which is key in protecting the health of the environment in our County.

“I also want to thank Laois County Council who are playing an essential role in protecting our biodiversity and the Local Biodiversity Action Plan recognises that role. This funding highlights Government commitment to biodiversity and the essential role community groups play in our conservation efforts. I look forward to seeing the positive outcomes of these projects for County Laois”, concluded Deputy Aird.

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262 projects nationwide were approved covering a range of biodiversity related activities, such as bird and bat conservation, wetland surveys and community biodiversity awareness and training.