Seven Laois projects get €95k biodiversity boost
Families enjoying the long grass meadow in the People's Park, Portlaoise. Photo: Vincent Booth, Portlaoise Tidy Towns
SEVEN biodiversity projects in Laois are set to flourish, with the announcement of almost €95,000 in grants.
A bat survey and a wetland restoration project are among the ventures that will receive funding, as part of a €3m national package under the 2026 Local Biodiversity Action Fund (LBAF).
A total of €94,775 was awarded to Laois as part of the LBAF, to mark Biodiversity Week which ran from 15-24 May.
The biggest local grant is €25,500 for a countywide semi-natural grassland survey, which will identify, map and assess the condition of such grasslands which are among our most biodiversity rich habitats.
While they support a wide range of plants, pollinators and birds they have suffered severe declines, with native grasslands experiencing some of the greatest habitat losses and over half of native plant species in decline.
The ReFarm Laois wetland restoration/creation project has been granted €21,250, while €10,200 will go to a countywide Significant Tree Survey, which will identify and record trees of ecological, heritage and amenity value to support conservation and urban tree planning.
A Bat Survey on the Rivers Barrow and Nore has been granted €13,600 for a comprehensive bat ecology study, which will assess species presence, habitat connectivity and conservation needs.
Meanwhile, a Triogue Invasive Species Survey will receive €17,850 to document invasive species distribution along the Triogue catchment area, to inform future control and management.
A grant of €4,250 will go to the Laois Living Boundaries Project, which focuses on enhancing boundary features such as hedgerows or field margins, to improve habitat connectivity and biodiversity.
In Abbeyleix, €2,125 has been granted for road verge alignment, to enhance biodiversity through improved habitat management.
Laois Co Council will have a key role in implementing the schemes. The council’s biodiversity officer Lisa Doyle said: “Investing in these projects allows us to better understand, protect and restore biodiversity, ensuring our natural heritage is safeguarded for future generations.”
