Six Laois areas buzz with biodiversity grants

SIX local towns and villages are set to bloom as they share €44,000 in biodiversity grants.

Portlaoise Tidy Towns has been awarded €12,000 to develop a biodiversity waymarked trail, enhancing public engagement and understanding of local nature.

Abbeyleix Tidy Towns will get €10,000 to support actions specifically aimed at boosting pollinator populations.

The funding for both groups aims to support the delivery of practical biodiversity measures that will benefit pollinators, wildlife, and local communities.

Meanwhile, four community groups have been awarded funding to create tailored biodiversity action plans for their respective areas. These plans will provide a strategic roadmap for habitat enhancement, community engagement, and long-term protection of local wildlife.

Ballinakill Tidy Towns will receive €4,000, while €6,000 each will go to Clonad GAA, Clough Tidy Towns and Mountmellick Women’s Shed.

The funding, which comes from the Community Foundation of Ireland and the National Parks and Wildlife Service, aims to support biodiversity action across the county through the enhancement of local habitats, the protection of species and the empowering of communities to take meaningful action for nature.

Laois County Council has welcomed the boost in funding to support local biodiversity action.

The council’s biodiversity officer Lisa Doyle said: ‘This funding represents a boost for biodiversity action in Laois, including on-the-ground delivery of practical measures that enhance habitats and support wildlife.

‘It is particularly encouraging to see communities being empowered to take meaningful, locally-led action for nature, with benefits that will be felt both environmentally and socially.’