Louth groups receive €7300 for biodiversity projects

Two Louth groups have been allocated a total of €7300 for biodiversity projects through a joint venture between the government and philanthropic organisations. 

Dromiskin Tidy Towns has been given €4000 to implement the local Community Biodiversity Action Plan focusing on “pollinator pit stops”, as well as to build a viewing mound, and owl and bat boxes. 

Meanwhile, Omeath District Development has been given 3300 to map invasive species in Omeath. 

The local initiatives are among 78 new community plans being supported nationally through a partnership between philanthropy and Government.

Each local project will be receiving access to experts to either develop a new Community Biodiversity Action Plan (CBAP) or support to implement measures from an existing plan.

The grants are the latest in a joint Biodiversity Fund, an initiative of the Community Foundation Ireland and the National Parks and Wildlife Service which has seen 213 such action plans developed across the country through a joint investment of €1.76 Million since 2019.

Announcing the grants, Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan TD, said:

“These grants are uniquely impactful because they connect community groups with scientific expertise, helping them to better understand their local biodiversity. 

“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.

“This partnership between the National Parks and Wildlife Service and Community Foundation Ireland began as a ‘Seed for Nature’ at the 2019 National Biodiversity Conference, so it’s particularly special to see it flourish and deliver so much impact all across the country, with 213 CBAPs in place and more to come.

“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.”

Niall Ó Donnchú, Director General of the National Parks and Wildlife Service added:

“NPWS is delighted to partner with Community Foundation Ireland on the Biodiversity Fund and to support the work of community groups in restoring and protecting nature in their local area. 

“Science and expertise can guide us but must be translated into action by and with local communities.”