Funding boost for Mayo biodiversity projects

The Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan, has announced over €1.4 million in funding for local authorities to carry out biodiversity projects through the Local Biodiversity Action Fund (LBAF).

Since it was launched in 2018, a total of almost €4m has been granted to local authorities through the LBAF to carry out projects in support of the National Biodiversity Action Plan 2017-2021 (NBAP).

“We know that communities are at the heart of biodiversity action and that’s why I’m so thrilled to see this fund continue to grow and increase its impact all across the country,” said Minister Noonan. “This year, we’ve funded 128 projects across all 31 local authorities. This will have real, tangible impact for nature and it couldn’t come at a more crucial time. What’s more, the successful projects are all contributing to the implementation of the National Biodiversity Action Plan and helping to advance our shared vision for nature.

“The new National Biodiversity Action Plan is currently out for public consultation, so it’s a great opportunity for people to have their say and help shape the future for biodiversity in Ireland.”

Engagement with communities and local authorities is crucial to the implementation of the NBAP. The LBAF scheme represents a commitment to support implementation of the plan at community, county and regional level, and recognises the importance of the work carried out by local authorities through their biodiversity and heritage officers.

All 31 local authorities applied for and will receive funding this year, with a total of 128 projects approved, covering a range of biodiversity related activities, including invasive alien species control, dune restoration, wetland surveys and biodiversity awareness and training. Projects approved this year include a Mayo wetlands county survey.

The public consultation for Ireland’s fourth NBAP launched on September 1 and submissions are invited through www.gov.ie/biodiversityplan. The public consultation will close on November 9 and the fourth NBAP will be published in early 2023.

The Mayo projects approved are as follows:

- Wetlands survey (€27,600): It is now proposed to commence phase two of the Mayo Wetlands Project - Field Survey of Mayo Wetland Sites. Due to the size of the county and the extent and diversity of wetland habitats, it is proposed to undertake the field survey on a phased basis over the three next years

- IAS-Himalayan Balsam (€13,600): The biology of Himalayan balsam dictates that any control programme will be multi-annual, reflecting the fact that the some seeds remain viable in the soil up to two seasons after being shed. This proposal recommends conducting manual control on all Himalayan balsam plants that can impact on the greenway over ca. three years (commencing May 2022)

- Biodiversity enhancement (€6,800): The development of the Raheens Biodiversity Park is being undertaken on a phased basis, proposed elements include trails, seating areas, interpretation, screening, pollinator areas, native planting, boundary hedging, etc

- Biodiversity education (€8,400): The aim of the Community Biodiversity Education Programme is to ensure that biodiversity is integrated into the activities of local communities, including Tidy Towns and local graveyard committees. It is proposed to deliver a targeted biodiversity training programme to communities in Mayo which will include theoretical sessions and practical workshops and field trips

- IAS-Gunnera tinctoria (€7,950): A proof-of-concept conservation grazing project targeted at giant rhubarb (Gunnera tinctoria), using Old Irish Goats, was undertaken in Mulranny in 2021. This project proved successful; the goats thrived and grazed the Gunnera leaves and stalks very effectively. However, qualitative and quantitative data is needed to accurately assess the efficacy of goat grazing to affect the viability of the plant and successfully control Gunnera. It is proposed to commence a pilot academic research project in 2022 in partnership with the Atlantic Technological University (ATU), Old Irish Goat Society (OIGS), NPWS and Mayo County Council