Waterford set to receive hefty biodiversity funding nearly €100K to benefit whole county

Over €96,000 has been allocated to funding local biodiversity projects in Waterford to support seven community projects across the county.

Projects help to protect unique species and habitats in Waterford as well as treasured places like the sand dunes at Tramore and Bunmahon, the wetlands at Dungarvan and the Clodiagh river.

The fund will also enable local authority staff to enhance their efforts to tackle the spread of Invasive species.

Examples of projects approved for funding in Waterford include:

• A restoration and management plan for Tramore Dunes and Backstrand SAC. This will complement existing restoration works and public engagement actions undertaken by local community groups.
• The Clodiagh freshwater pearl mussel project to continue support of the breeding facility and contribute towards habitat assessment/restoration along the Clodiagh.

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• An audit of invasive species in Waterford County: An Invasive Alien Species (IAS) audit, mapping and survey project for Co. Waterford to assess the presence, distribution and impact of IAS, to inform management and control measures within the county.
• The project also includes a Training Programme for council staff on identification, treatment and removal of invasive species.

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

Ireland’s 4th National Biodiversity Action Plan ‘Actions For Nature’ was launched in January 2024 and is available at https://www.npws.ie/legislation/national-biodiversity-action-plan