Barn owl in flight, photo by Mike Brown (file pic).

Barn owl conservation project among those funded in LBAF

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Some €80,000 for Westmeath is included in €2.9 million in funding to local authorities for biodiversity projects under the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) Local Biodiversity Action Fund (LBAF) in 2025.

Minister for Housing, Heritage and Local Government James Browne TD and Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan TD, confirmed the funding this week.

The Westmeath projects are:

• Training, Events, Equipment and Resources €13,600;

• Westmeath Barn Owl Monitoring and Conservation €6,162.50;

• In Your Nature €3,966.95;

• Robinstown Wetland Amenity Park €5,950;

• Managing Public Lands for Pollinator Friendly Actions: Achieving Key AIPP Actions €1,700;

• Hedgerow Survey €17,000;

• Recording Irish mayfly – establishing conservation status €1,228.28;

• Biodiversity Mgmt Coolure €6,800;

• Biodiversity Mgmt Council Lands €9,350;

• Westmeath County Semi Natural Grassland Survey 2025 and 2026 €25,500;

• IAS management and eradication at Belvedere House and Gardens €4,250;

• Survey of the invasive alien aquatic bivalve Quagga mussel in Lough Sheelin €1,533.40.

The fund was established in 2018 to assist local authorities in the implementation of actions in support of biodiversity, and almost €11 million has been granted to local authorities.

The scheme is operated by the National Parks and Wildlife Service and represents a commitment to support implementation of the Ireland’s fourth National Biodiversity Action Plan.

All 31 local authorities applied for and will receive funding this year, and the 262 projects approved covered a range of biodiversity related activities, including invasive alien species control, bird and bat conservation, wetland surveys and community biodiversity awareness and training.

Minister Browne said: “Local authorities are playing an essential role in protecting our biodiversity and the Local Biodiversity Action Plan recognises that role. Through these projects, each local authority will make a unique impact on their local biodiversity, but is also part of a bigger picture across the country.

"I welcome the focus on partnership, research and best practice. I wish all of those involved the very best with the work and look forward to hearing more as they progress.”

Minister of State O’Sullivan commended local authorities for stepping up their efforts to tackle invasive species, including Japanese Knotweed and Himalayan Balsam, which he said pose a real threat to our landscapes and marine environment.

Examples of projects funded under this year’s scheme include:

The Hare’s Corner: Seven local authorities will participate in the ‘Hare’s Corner’ projects with the aim of creating new habitats such as ponds, woodlands and orchards to benefit biodiversity.

Return to Nature: Five local authorities will undertake ‘Return to Nature’ projects, in support of the Catholic Church’s ambition to return 30% of Church grounds to nature by 2030.

Artificial Lighting Training for Local Authorities in Connacht: Six local authorities delivered workshops on Artificial Lighting, bringing together experts from Dark Sky Ireland, NPWS and Mayo County Council, to support the development and delivery of policies and actions to reduce light pollution.

Establishing effective Guidance and Control Protocols for Invasive Freshwater Turtles of EU Concern in Ireland: Seven local authorities will participate in this project to provide a workable Guidance and Protocol Document for anyone who deals with these species.

A full list of projects is available here.

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