Minister for Nature and Green Party TD for Carlow-Kilkenny, Malcolm Noonan has announced €2.7 million in funding for local biodiversity projects as National Biodiversity Week begins today (Friday), May 17.
The funding, which will benefit 13 projects in Kilkenny will enable local authorities across the country to carry out biodiversity projects and support the implementation of the fourth National Biodiversity Action Plan through the Local Biodiversity Action Fund (LBAF).
A total of €94,031 has been awarded to projects in Kilkenny, including river restoration projects, otter and hedgehog surveys, control of invasive species, swift and barn owl projects and the creation of pond habitats.
Kilkenny is also among 29 local authorities that will take part in a two-year project recording the Irish mayfly to establish their conservation status.
"With this combined €2.7 million for biodiversity projects, we're empowering more communities to do more for nature - and every project we’ve funded today is supporting the implementation of Ireland’s fourth National Biodiversity Action Plan at a community, county and regional level," Minister Noonan said.
"Our local authorities have a vital role to play in restoring nature and as more Biodiversity Officers join the ranks of our local authorities through the Biodiversity Officer Programme, the impact of this fund will continue to grow," he added.
