A two-year project to record the Irish Mayfly on inland waters and management of marine biodiversity in the south-west are among biodiversity projects announced by Minister of State for Nature and Heritage Malcolm Noonan.
The projects are among a list approved by Noonan for a total of 2.8 million euro in funding through local authorities.
The Local Biodiversity Action Fund (LBAF) was established in 2018 to assist local authorities in the implementation of actions in support of biodiversity.
A total just over €8.6m has been granted to local authorities through the LBAF since the scheme was initiated.
Noonan said he was delighted to see a record number of projects approved through the fund this year.
“As more and more biodiversity officers join the ranks of our local authorities through the biodiversity officer programme, I know that the benefits for nature and people that this fund provides are only going to grow, “he said.
All 31 local authorities applied for and will receive funding this year, with a total of 233 projects approved, covering a range of biodiversity related activities, including invasive alien species control, bird and bat conservation, wetland surveys and community biodiversity awareness and training.
Projects approved this year include:
A two-year project involving 29 local authorities recording the Irish Mayfly;
- Kerry County Council is building a strategic alliance for management of marine biodiversity;
- Coastal local authority Wexford County Council will devise a programme of biodiversity training for its staff
- Dublin City Council will carry out a biodiversity stewardship programme.
