Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 February 2026
390. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the projects that local authorities have applied for to-date under the Local Biodiversity Action Fund 2026; the breakdown in the details and the cost of those initiatives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13961/26]
View answerThe Local Biodiversity Action Fund (LBAF), operated by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of my Department provides funding to assist local authorities with the implementation of projects that support the objectives of the National Biodiversity Action Plan. In 2026, a fund of €3 million is available for local authorities for biodiversity projects under the scheme.
As of 16 February, 203 project applications have been received, with further applications still expected. Local authorities have submitted a broad array of proposals on various topics, including Biodiversity Awareness, Education & Outreach; Habitat Mapping, Surveys & Monitoring; Invasive Species; Woodlands; Wetlands and Hedgerows. Project applications will be evaluated in the coming weeks and local authorities will be advised of the outcome in due course. Details of successful project applications will be published at that point on the NPWS website at: www.npws.ie/legislation/national-biodiversity-action-plan/local-biodiversity-action-fund
