Offaly Co Co to launch ambitious, first Biodiversity Plan

Offaly County Council is about to launch its first ever, standalone Biodiversity Action Plan, an ambitious document which will direct the Council's policy towards our natural environment between now and 2030.
Offaly Biodiversity Officer Ricky Whelan told the Councillors during a recent meeting there had been an extensive consultation process and 45 submissions had been received from members of the public. The launch date will be March 21st.
Cllr Ollie Bryant said it's a “brilliant” plan and a “huge amount of work” had gone into it. Cllr Seán O'Brien agreed, adding that he was impressed with how extensive the consultation process with the public had been. Cllr Liam Quinn agreed, adding that the Councillors should meet with the National Parks and Wildlife Service. Cllr Quinn pointed out that the threat of various invasive species in our natural habitats remains an ongoing matter of concern which requires everyone to never “take their eye off the ball”. Cllr Quinn said he was saddened to learn we have experienced species decline in Offaly because of agricultural practices and because of invasive species. Ricky said he is in regular communication with the NPWS. Cllr John Leahy said he loves the Greenways and it's been great to see the development of the Grand Canal Greenway over recent years.
Ricky said the plan's aim is to “build on the past work of Offaly County Council and work by communities across the county to protect and enhance our natural areas to benefit biodiversity and people. To do this we will work with communities, farmers and landowners, state bodies, business and anyone who possesses similar values. We want to protect the nature on our doorsteps, in the wider countryside and in the wilder more remote parts of the county. Nature should be accessible to all, and we need biodiversity rich sites close to where people live.” The Plan can be viewed online.