Boost for 12 projects as Kilkenny biodiversity efforts get €100,000 assistance

Biodiversity efforts across Kilkenny have received a boost, with over €100,000 in funding allocated to a range of local conservation and education initiatives.

The funding is aimed at supporting ecological surveys, species monitoring, public awareness, and community training to enhance the county’s natural heritage.

The largest allocation, €17,128, has been awarded to a project focused on Woodstock Gardens and Estate and Silaire Wood. Other notable recipients include the Kilkenny Grasslands and Urban Meadows initiative, which received €15,300, and the Ecological Survey of Newpark Fen, granted €13,734.

A wide variety of projects are set to benefit. These include the Thomastown Biodiversity Action Plan (€9,987), the Kilkenny Swift Project (€8,538), and a GIS-based project to consolidate biodiversity data (€8,364).
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Smaller projects like the Recording of Irish Mayfly conservation status (€1,228) and Education Talks on Ponds (€3,778) also received support. Kilkenny’s Community Training Biodiversity Course was granted €4,837, emphasising the role of community engagement in long-term conservation strategies.

The Government says the funding round highlights a growing recognition of the importance of local biodiversity. It reflects both the urgency of environmental challenges and the proactive steps being taken within the county to address them.
Local authorities and environmental groups, as well as TD Catherine Callaghan (FG), welcomed the funding as a vital investment in Kilkenny’s ecological future.
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“The Local Biodiversity Action Fund was established to help local authorities implement actions in support of biodiversity. This year, funding was granted to 10 projects in Carlow and 12 in Kilkenny,” said Deputy Callaghan. “This is a significant number of projects and underscores our commitment to protecting our environment.

“In particular, I’m delighted to see funding for hedgerows and wooded lands survey, an issue that is so important to Carlow/Kilkenny. Their commitment to protect and enhance our local biodiversity is key in protecting the health of the environment in Carlow/Kilkenny.

“I also want to thank both Carlow and Kilkenny County Councils who are playing an essential role in protecting our biodiversity and the Local Biodiversity Action Plan recognises that role.”