Funding for biodiversity projects in Carlow set to double

Carlow could see biodiversity projects in the county increase this year, thanks to funding for a local action fund being doubled for the coming year. 

Malcolm Noonan, TD for Carlow Kilkenny and Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, confirmed that €30,000 funding went to Carlow last year. 

Minister Noonan announced a doubling of funding to the Local Biodiversity Action Fund, bringing it to €3 million for 2023.

The Local Biodiversity Action Fund offers funding to help local authorities in the implementation of actions set out in the National Biodiversity Action Plan, enabling them to identify and develop projects that address biodiversity loss in their localities.

 "Last year, a total fund of almost €30,000 was shared by a number of projects in Carlow, providing for biodiversity enhancement and awareness. In general, we are seeing more and more people get behind this challenge, and doubling the funding available to the Local Biodiversity Action Fund is an important signal from my Department that we recognise and support this work,” Minister Noonan said. 

Operated by the National Parks and Wildlife Service of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, the scheme has proven hugely popular, with 109 projects funded in 2022, including in the areas of habitat restoration, surveys and data collection, biodiversity awareness, and tackling invasive species.

Commenting on the announcement, Minister Noonan said: "Our local authorities, in both urban and rural areas, have a critical role to play in addressing the biodiversity crisis. The Local Biodiversity Action Fund has enabled local authorities across the country to carry out important, impactful projects that help us achieve the actions and ambitions we've set out in Ireland's National Biodiversity Action Plan.

"Whether it's working together with communities on biodiversity initiatives, collecting essential data, or helping to create new habitats or restore existing ones, supporting a locally-led response to the enormous challenge we face in halting and reversing nature loss is vitally important.

Reacting to the announcement today, Green Party local area representative for Bagnelstown Liam O’Brien, said: "The biodiversity crisis is one of the biggest challenges of our time. Funding like this, targeted at local actions, really highlights the opportunity we have to work together to address the loss of nature.

"Biodiversity initiatives, like those funded in Carlow last year, don’t just educate people about the biodiversity crisis, they also unite our communities around a common cause and help build our pride in our own communities. By doubling the Local Biodiversity Action Fund to €3 million, Minister Noonan is creating more opportunities for our local authority to support and protect biodiversity, which is so important at this time.”

 The 2023 scheme is now open for applications.