'A meaningful contribution': Almost €100k in funding awarded to Carlow nature projects
The funding, announced by Minister of State for Nature, Biodiversity and Heritage, Christopher O’Sullivan, will support a wide range of local environmental initiatives
Almost €100,000 in funding has been awarded to biodiversity and nature projects across Carlow.
Leas Ceann Comhairle and Fianna Fáil TD for Carlow-Kilkenny, John McGuinness, has welcomed the news, with the large sum coming from the 2026 Local Biodiversity Action Fund.
The funding, announced by Minister of State for Nature, Biodiversity and Heritage, Christopher O’Sullivan, will support a wide range of local environmental initiatives. In particular, those aimed at protecting habitats, enhancing biodiversity, tackling invasive species and supporting wildlife conservation.
Deputy McGuinness said the funding demonstrates the importance being placed on protecting biodiversity at local level. It also empowers communities to take practical action for nature.
“National Biodiversity Week is an appropriate time to announce this significant investment in projects that will help protect and enhance our local environment across Carlow and Kilkenny. These initiatives will support important survey work, habitat restoration, pollinator protection, invasive species control and biodiversity awareness programmes,” Deputy McGuinness commented.
“In Carlow, projects such as the Carlow Wetlands Survey, the Hare’s Corner initiative, the Protected & Rare Flora Survey and the Urban Pollinator Foraging Network Management project will make a meaningful contribution to preserving and improving local biodiversity.”
The projects approved for funding in Co Carlow are:
- Carlow Wetlands Survey 2026–2028 – €34,000
- The Hare’s Corner in Co Carlow – €29,750
- Carlow Protected & Rare Flora Survey – €11,050
- Urban Pollinator Foraging Network Management – €10,000
- Education & Awareness Programme including Farming for Nature Celebration – €9,775
- Carlow Catchments Hedgerow and other Wooded Lands Survey – €2,125
Deputy McGuinness added: “Local authorities, biodiversity officers and community groups are playing an increasingly important role in protecting nature and responding to biodiversity loss. This funding will help deliver practical improvements on the ground while also raising awareness and encouraging greater community participation in biodiversity protection.”
Further details on the Local Biodiversity Action Fund are available from the National Parks and Wildlife Service.