Funding announced for biodiversity projects in Kilkenny

Kilkenny TD, Deputy John McGuinness has welcomed significant funding which was announced for local biodiversity projects as part of a €3 million Local Biodiversity Action Fund. 

The announcement was made today (Monday) by Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan TD. The fund encourages local authorities, community groups and organisations in both counties to prepare and submit applications ahead of the February 5 2026 deadline.

Deputy McGuinness said the funding—administered by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS)—is making a real and measurable difference on the ground in communities across the country, and Kilkenny is no exception.

“This annual fund is delivering real results in our towns, villages and local landscapes. The projects supported in 2025 demonstrate the value of targeted, community-driven biodiversity action. I strongly encourage Kilkenny applicants to build on that momentum and get their 2026 applications in before February 5.”

Deputy McGuinness noted a number of projects funded in Kilkenny  in 2025, that are helping protect and restore biodiversity across the region:

• Kilkenny Grasslands and Urban Meadows Project
  Awarded €15,300, this project built on the important “Kilkenny City and Environs Grassland Inventory,” helping better understand and manage valuable grassland habitats throughout the city and its surroundings.

• Ecological Survey of Newpark Fen (Kilkenny)
  With €13,734 in funding, this project provided updated surveys on habitat quality, botanical diversity and bat activity—informing future management of one of Kilkenny’s key natural sites

• Recording Irish Mayfly – Conservation Status (Carlow & Kilkenny)
  A national project with local relevance, awarded €1,228, continuing important species-level survey work begun in 2024 and filling data gaps across the country—including in Carlow and Kilkenny.

Deputy McGuinness added: “These projects show what can be achieved locally when proper supports are provided. They strengthen habitats, inform better management decisions and engage communities in protecting their natural heritage. I want to see even more high-quality proposals coming forward from Carlow and Kilkenny for the 2026 fund,” he said.

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The deputy also urged local authorities and community groups to take full advantage of the funding opportunity:

“With €3 million available nationwide for 2026, now is the time for groups to develop their proposals. Whether it’s habitat restoration, invasive species management, or biodiversity surveys, this fund can make a real difference.”