News
Minister of State O’Sullivan announces €3 million funding for local biodiversity projects
Date Released: Monday, November 24, 2025
- 2026 Funding Scheme open to all local authorities
- Funding will support research, surveys, action on invasive species and habitat management
- Scheme supports local authorities to deliver actions in Ireland’s fourth National Biodiversity Action Plan.
Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan TD has today (Monday 24th November) launched the Local Biodiversity Action Fund 2026.
Funding of €3 million is available for local authorities to access for biodiversity projects under the scheme, managed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS).
Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne TD, said:
“Great to open this fund with Minister of State O’Sullivan today. Our public and shared places are important for biodiversity, and also for our health and wellbeing. Local authorities are uniquely placed to work with communities to protect biodiversity in our communities and this fund supports them to do that.
This year we awarded funding to over 260 different projects across thirty-one local authorities, supported by Biodiversity and Heritage Officers. Through this investment and our collective efforts we can deliver on the ambition of our National Biodiversity Action Plan, to make a positive impact for nature and improve our communities.”
Marking the opening of the fund, Minister Christopher O’Sullivan TD emphasised:
“This year’s Local Biodiversity Action Fund will put €3m in communities across the country to deliver practical, creative and locally-led actions for nature where it matters most. Previous grants have funded surveys of rare birds and plants, restoration measures in key habitats like wetlands, grasslands and rivers, as well as projects to protect species like Barn Owls and Lesser Horseshoe Bats. It is great to see the Biodiversity Officers network playing such a vital role in bringing local authorities together with communities to progress local initiatives and partnerships. I’m excited to see what this year’s fund will support.”
The fund was originally established in 2018 to assist local authorities in the implementation of actions in support of biodiversity. Over €13 million has been granted to local authorities for their biodiversity work over the past seven years.
In 2025 the Fund was awarded to 262 projects across 31 Local Authorities. Activities undertaken ranged from surveys and monitoring of rare species, measures to tackle invasive species, manage and restore unique habitats.
Examples of projects funded in 2025 included:
- The Hare’s Corner: Seven local authorities participated in the ‘Hare’s Corner’ projects with the aim of creating new habitats such as ponds, woodlands and orchards to benefit biodiversity.
- Nightjar survey: The Nightjar is an elusive and rare bird, recently confirmed to be breeding in some counties in Ireland. The fund enabled Wexford County Council to work with local stakeholders on Phase 2 of a survey to determine the presence of the Nightjar at selected sites across Wexford. Tipperary County Council and Waterford County Council ran similar projects.
- Wildflower meadow management: Funding supported Cork City Council to implement the All Island Pollinator Plan and to improve the ecological value of selected grassland areas within the city, to support local plant species, pollinators and other wildlife.
- Barn Owl survey and conservation: Eleven local authorities worked on projects to protect the Barn Owl. Projects involved surveys, distributing nest boxes to landowners and farmers, and public awareness about the species.
- Invasive Species management and control: Forty projects in twenty-one local authority areas focused on the removal and management of Invasive species, such as Giant Hogweed, Japanese Knotweed, Cherry Laurel and Quagga Mussels.
The closing date for applications is February 5th 2026.
Further Information
For a full breakdown of projects awarded by county in 2025, see NPWS: Local Biodiversity Action Fund.