Nine Clare communities are receiving support to take action to protect and promote local plants and wildlife, thanks to an important partnership between Community Foundation Ireland and Government.
Local groups are to work with ecology experts to increase awareness, develop local biodiversity action plans specific to their area and to implement those plans.
A wide range of activity will take place. Each is supported through private philanthropy made possible by donors to Community Foundation Ireland work in co-operation with public funding from the National Parks and Wildlife Service.
The nine Clare projects are:
A new Biodiversity Action Plan to protect and develop Seafield Sand Dunes by the local Conservation Forum
Formulate a new local plan with defined actions by the Tuamgraney Development Association
A Kilnaboy biodiversity enhancement project on the edge of the Burren National Park
Development of a model farm as part of the Knocknahilla Peatland rewetting project
Expand a current action plan at Quin
New bird nest boxes, removal of invasive species and plans for a mini-orchard by Inagh Tidy Towns
An assessment of costal biodiversity around Liscannor to establish important baseline data for the area
An ecological survey of Killaloe by the Community Council
Training for local partners including farmers, local school children and community workers by Ruan Tidy Village
In total over €50,000 is being made available to support the work across Clare.
Announcing the grants, Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan TD, said: “These grants are uniquely impactful because they connect community groups with scientific expertise, helping them to better understand their local biodiversity. Successful grantees work with ecologists to create a Community Biodiversity Action Plan and can then seek funding to implement it. All of the data they collect is shared with the National Biodiversity Data Centre, making a valuable contribution to citizen science in Ireland.
This partnership between the National Parks and Wildlife Service and Community Foundation Ireland began as a ‘Seed for Nature’ at the 2019 National Biodiversity Conference, so it’s particularly special to see it flourish and deliver so much impact.”
Denise Charlton, Chief Executive of Community Foundation Ireland added: “This is a pioneering partnership between Government and philanthropy which has has provided leadership in responding to the biodiversity emergency. While the challenge is great, what is hugely encouraging is the interest, energy, and enthusiasm of the full spectrum of Clare groups answering the call and taking action to protect our plants and wildlife. On behalf of our private donors, I wish each group every success in their continued efforts.”
Niall Ó Donnchú, Director General of the National Parks and Wildlife Service added: “NPWS is delighted to partner with Community Foundation Ireland on the Biodiversity Fund and to support the work of community groups in restoring and protecting nature in their local area. Science and expertise can guide us but must be translated into action by and with local communities.”