Meath County Council Receives Over €100,000 Funding for Local Biodiversity Projects
Minister for Housing, Heritage and Local Government James Browne, TD, and Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan, TD, have announced €2.9 million in funding to local authorities for biodiversity projects under the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) Local Biodiversity Action Fund (LBAF), with Meath County Council receiving over €100,000 in funding to deliver projects in 2025.
First established in 2018, the Local Biodiversity Action Fund was created to assist local authorities in the implementation of actions in support of biodiversity. Almost €11 million has been granted to local authorities through the LBAF since the scheme was established. The Scheme is operated by the National Parks and Wildlife Service and represents a commitment to support implementation of the Irelands 4th National Biodiversity Action Plan at community, county and regional level.
Minister for Housing, Heritage and Local Government, James Browne, TD, said: “Local authorities are playing an essential role in protecting our biodiversity and the Local Biodiversity Action Plan recognises that role. Through these projects, each local authority will make a unique impact on their local biodiversity, but is also part of a bigger picture across the country. I welcome the focus on partnership, research and best practice. I wish all of those involved the very best with the work and look forward to hearing more as they progress.”
Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan, TD, said: “I’m really impressed with the diversity of projects funded this year. The Local Biodiversity Action Fund will enable every local authority around the country to enhance their actions on biodiversity, including research and recording of our unique species, from the Irish Mayfly, Woodland Bats to barn owls, and management of precious habitats such as meadows and wetlands.”
Ben Malone, Biodiversity Officer, Meath County Council, said: “We’re delighted with the support received this year through the Local Biodiversity Action Fund. Our projects in Meath build on the success of previous years, supporting people to create habitats for wildlife, managing our own lands better for biodiversity, addressing urgent conservation needs and adding to our state of knowledge on biodiversity in the county.”
Projects approved this year in Meath include:
- County Meath Wetland Survey - Phase 1
- County Meath Tree, Woodland and Hedgerow Survey - Phase 1
- Invasive Alien Species Project - Quagga Mussel in Lough Sheelin
- Invasive Alien Species Project – Common Cordgrass in the Nanny Estuary
- Recording Irish mayfly – establishing conservation status
- The Hare's Corner - assisting landowners to create new habitats for biodiversity
- Commons of Lloyd Biodiversity and Conservation Agriculture Project
- Continuation of Barn Owl Conservation Project
- Development of the Woodland Bat Monitoring Scheme
- Community biodiversity initiatives and outreach support