€3 Million Funding Boosts Biodiversity Projects Nationwide
On November 24, 2025, a significant initiative to enhance biodiversity in local communities was announced. The Local Biodiversity Action Fund 2026 will allocate €3 million to local authorities for various biodiversity projects across the nation.
Overview of the Local Biodiversity Action Fund 2026
The funding is being managed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS). Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan, TD, highlighted the importance of this financial support during the launch event.
Minister O’Sullivan noted, “This year’s Local Biodiversity Action Fund will empower communities to take meaningful actions for nature.” Local authorities are expected to collaborate with communities to implement projects that enhance biodiversity.
Significant Achievements and Funding Highlights
In the previous year, over €3 million was allocated to more than 260 projects across 31 local authorities. These projects included:
- Surveys of rare species.
- Restoration of vital habitats including wetlands and grasslands.
- Conservation efforts for species like Barn Owls and Lesser Horseshoe Bats.
James Browne, TD, the Minister for Housing, Local Government, and Heritage, emphasized the role of public spaces in promoting biodiversity. He stated, “Our public and shared places are important for biodiversity, and also for our health and wellbeing.”
Major Projects Funded in 2025
This year’s funding has already supported numerous innovative projects across various counties. Notable initiatives include:
- Barn Owl Monitoring and Conservation: A follow-up project to a previous survey, featuring recommendations for conservation and a dedicated nest box program.
- Public Engagement Initiatives: Programs aimed at educating local communities about biodiversity, including workshops and training sessions.
- Invasive Species Surveys: Projects aiming to assess and manage invasive species across different water bodies.
- Grassland and Hedgerow Surveys: Efforts to map and evaluate the ecological health of significant habitats.
Future Plans and Impact on Biodiversity
The cumulative funding granted since the establishment of the Local Biodiversity Action Fund in 2018 has reached €13 million. This investment has supported a variety of biodiversity-focused projects aimed at habitat restoration, species monitoring, and community engagement.
With the new funding, local authorities will continue to take proactive steps to improve biodiversity in their regions. The strategic management of these funds is expected to yield positive outcomes for both nature and local communities, aligning with the goals of the National Biodiversity Action Plan.
As the Local Biodiversity Action Fund 2026 unfolds, it is anticipated that more creative and impactful projects will emerge, further enhancing the ecological landscape and community awareness of biodiversity in Ireland.
