Offaly Biodiversity projects receive over €100,000 in funding

€105.000 in funding has been allocated to Offaly County Council under the Local Biodiversity Action Fund.

Among the successful projects to receive money are Offaly Wetland Survey P1 €20,700.90, Hare’s Corner Project €29,750.00, Offaly Grasslands Improvement Project 2025 €15,000.00, Wildflowers of Offaly Video Project €8,500.00, IAS Management & Training 2025 €8,500.00, Community Biodiversity Action Plan Support, €6,800.00, Camcor Native Woodland Baseline Survey €7,650.00, Recording Irish Mayfly Conservation Status €1,228.28, In Your Nature €3,966.95, and Citizen Science & Outreach €3,825.00.

Fine Gael TD for Offaly, John Clendennen, has welcomed the allocation of €105,000 in funding for biodiversity initiatives across the county, under the Local Biodiversity Action Fund.

Deputy Clendennen said the funding, administered through Offaly County Council, will support a diverse range of local projects focused on the protection, study, and enhancement of biodiversity in the region.

A total of 262 projects nationwide received funding this year, supporting a wide range of activities such as bird and bat conservation, wetland surveys, and community biodiversity awareness initiatives.

''I would like to thank Offaly County Council for their continued leadership and commitment to biodiversity,'' Deputy Clendennen added. ''This funding reflects the Government’s ongoing support for community-led environmental efforts. I look forward to seeing these projects deliver real, positive impacts for Offaly’s unique natural heritage.''

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.''

''I’d like to commend local authorities for stepping up their efforts to tackle Invasive Species, including Japanese Knotweed and Himalayan Balsam, which pose a real threat to our landscapes and marine environment.''