Smyth welcomes funding for local biodiversity projects
The news that ten Westmeath projects are to receive funding under a new scheme to tackle the biodiversity crisis at a local level has been warmly welcomed by Cllr Hazel Smyth.
An invasive alien species management plan for Belvedere House and Gardens is one of the local biodiversity projects to receive funding under 2024 Local Biodiversity Action Fund. Nationally, a total of 233 projects are to receive €2.8m in funding under the scheme overseen by the National Parks and Wildlife Service.
Cllr Smyth said that the importance of schemes such as the Local Biodiversity Action Fund cannot be overstated.
“Local grassroots action is crucial for protecting nature. People in Westmeath have an intimate knowledge of our local environment, and the specific challenges and opportunities we face. By empowering our local groups involved in protecting biodiversity, it gives the community a sense of ownership and responsibility for our natural environment.”
Green Party Minister for Nature, Heritage and Electoral Reform Malcolm Noonan said;
“Communities are at the heart of nature conservation and the Local Biodiversity Action Fund is unique in supporting a local-level response to the biodiversity crisis. This is vital if we are to deliver on our goals to protect and restore nature and meet the ambition set out in our fourth National Biodiversity Action Plan, which I delivered earlier this year. As more and more Biodiversity Officers join the ranks of our local authorities, I know the impact of this scheme is only going to grow."
Local projects to receive funding:
Treatment of Invasive Alien Plan Species at Belvedere Gardens and Park €26,000
Implementation of Biodiversity Plan for Coolure Demesne €7,000
Robinstown Area Biodiversity Project Feasibility Study €4,250
County Wetland Surveys 2022 and 2023 consolidated report €3,973
Management for biodiversity on CoCo owned land €20,000
Barn Owl Conservation Westmeath 2024 €2,571
Westmeath Hedgerow Survey – Part 2 South of the County €17,000
Biodiversity Training, Events, Equipment, Resources €14,000
In Your Nature Podcast 2024 Series €3,967
Recording Irish mayfly – establishing conservation status €1,289