Today, on another exciting day in National Biodiversity Week 2021, I am announcing that all 31 Local Authorities have received funding under The Local Authority Biodiversity Grant Scheme. An amount of €1.35 million has been made available in 2021 for this scheme, which is operated by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. Over 100 projects will promote biodiversity and tackle Invasive Aliens Species across the Country
I'm thrilled to say that in my own Constituency of Carlow-Kilkenny, the following projects are included: Carlow
- €27,400.00 will go towards improving biodiversity by replacing annual bedding plants in containers in the urban centre of towns with tress, perennials, and shrubs to create refuge corridors for birds, bees, and insects;
- €16,000 will go towards developing a County IAS Policy Kilkenny
- €25,132.00 will go towards a survey and monitoring programme of Barn Owl and Swift breeding sites. It will include a citizen science programme and production of conservation videos;
- €16,000 will go towards an Invasive Species Management Plan for Silaire Woods and Woodstock Estate and Gardens.
- €2,295 will go towards purchasing and disseminating pollinator awareness and education materials to the public. This will comprise a selection of the advice booklets and leaflets produced by the All Ireland Pollinator Plan.
Further info: gov.ie - Biodiversity projects to fore as local authorities share €1.35m Biodiversity grant (www.gov.ie)