Almost €80,000 funding for Clare restoration and biodiversity projects
Restoration to focus on protected habitats and species, along with peatlands
Just under €80,000 has been allocated to five Clare biodiversity and conservation projects under the expanded Peatlands and Natura Community Engagement Scheme 2024.
Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan T.D announced more than €458,000 in funding for 36 local community groups and organisations for projects across Ireland last week.
The five Clare projects funded by this scheme include the Cloontabonniv Bog Walk, the Hometree Cnocan Ban and Bellafarney Peat restoration projects, the Clonlara Development Association's management plan for Sheedy’s Bog andmonitoring of breeding seabirds in the Shannon Estuary by the Irish Whale and Dolphin group.
Minister Noonan said he is" really impressed by the diverse and creative initiatives put forward by such active community and volunteer groups and environmental organisations."
"The Peatlands and Natura Community Engagement Scheme is a collaborative scheme which draws on the local community’s deep connection with our natural heritage.
"Through empowering local communities, we can safeguard our precious ecosystems, enhance biodiversity, and mitigate the impacts of climate change, ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come," Minster Noonan concluded.
Led by the National Parks and Wildlife Service, the Peatlands and Natura Community Engagement Scheme supports local initiatives for the conservation and revitalisation of Natura 2000 Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) and Special Protection Areas (SPA) and all peatland areas and promotes public engagement with and awareness of our natural heritage and environment.
The scheme is aimed at community-led projects and volunteer groups, who play a vital role in helping to promote and implement conservation and restoration in Ireland.
Projects approved this year support the development and maintenance of amenities; conducting surveys to inform management plans for Natura 2000 and peatland sites; public outreach, such as the production of information booklets, brochures and training manuals, awareness and education events; education programmes and hosting of seminars with expert speakers; and invasive species training and management.
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