Westmeath included in €3m National Biodiversity Week fund for local nature projects
Minister of State for Nature, Biodiversity and Heritage, Christopher O’Sullivan TD, has today announced the allocation of €3 million in funding under the Local Biodiversity Action Fund (LBAF) 2026.
A diverse range of local authority-led projects have been selected for support through this fund, which is managed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS).
Of the 209 projects, 11 Westmeath based initiatives will be receiving funding that amounts to €96,160.82
Minister O’Sullivan made the announcement during National Biodiversity Week.
“This €3 million investment in 209 nature projects around the country will have huge impacts for our habitats and wildlife. I’d like to congratulate all of our Biodiversity Officers, who will now be rolling out these initiatives and bringing communities together to enhance nature in their local area.
“The impressive range of projects being funded reveals the passion, expertise and ambition in our local authorities to act for nature, with proposals including everything from surveying species of birds in decline, such as the swift, to managing meadows to enhance wildflowers and restoring sand dunes and wetlands.
“There are practical, hands-on projects too, such as removing invasive species, as well as projects that are expanding into more counties like the Hare’s Corner and Return to Nature initiatives.”
Minister Robert Troy welcomed the news saying, “Today’s announcement by colleague, Minister O’Sullivan is fantastic news for all of the groups involved.
“Crucially it allows each of these groups to lower their carbon footprint, and ensure that their facilities move considerably to a more environmentally friendly way of operating.
“In examining the successful applications, you will also see that there will be considerable long term financial benefits for many of these groups in terms of reduced power usage bills through PV solar panels or more energy efficient LED lighting.
“The Community Climate Action Fund has proven to be extraordinarily popular and I will be seeking to have this fund expanded for future rounds.”
Under the Biodiversity Fund Westmeath County Council will receive €96,000 to assist in 11 projects including:
Specialised breeding bird surveys of raised bogs in County Westmeath
Westmeath County Semi Natural Grassland Survey 2025 & 2026
Managing Public Lands for Pollinator-Friendly Actions: Achieving Key AIPP Actions.
Simultaneously 15 community lead projects across the county have been successful in securing funding through the community climate action fund. Successful applications ranged across small, medium, and large projects including:
Bat boxes and insect houses for Moate Railway Group
The installation of PV panels and water refill stations at St Lomans, Mullingar Shamrocks, Kinnegad Juniors and Mullingar Rugby Club.
In the large grant section, successful applications were announced for:
Streete Parish Park
Milltownpass GAA and LGFA
Athlone GAA Club
Ballinahown Community Development
Garrycastle GAA Club
In total just over €542,000 has been allocated for Westmeath projects through the community climate action fund.
Niall Donnchú, director general of NWPS, commented on the funding: “Our public and shared places are vital for biodiversity, as well as for our health and wellbeing. I am delighted to see such a high standard of applications this year.
“By supporting these projects, we are empowering local authorities to work directly with their communities to protect the natural heritage in their own localities.”