Plan to regenerate major island in County Kilkenny

A plan to regenerate an 11-acre island on the River Nore at Thomastown is amongst the many projects set to benefit from new biodiversity grants.

A partnership between philanthropy and Government is supporting 78 schemes which aim to protect endangered species and habitats.

The grants are the latest in a joint biodiversity fund, an initiative of the Community Foundation Ireland and the National Parks and Wildlife Service which has seen 213 such action plans developed across the country through a joint investment of €1.76 million euro since 2019.

The latest grant round of 376,000 euro will see communities supported in every part of the country in both rural and urban areas.

Plans for the regeneration of the island on the River Nore will include the engagement of an ecologist to work with and guide the local Community River Trust.

It aims to restore the natural environment on the island over the next five to 10 years protecting all wildlife for generations to come.

There is also a new biodiversity action plan for all three Aran Islands to protect the corncrake, currently a red listed bird.

Locally-based co-operative Comharchumann Fuinnimh Oileain Teoranta will work with farmers and landowners to create habitats for the endangered species.

Meanwhile, the development of a specially-designed sand martin nest wall in the People’s Park, Portlaoise, aims to increase the number of birds on the River Triogue.

The sand martin is currently an amber-listed bird of conservation concern. The project will include local awareness-raising with signage and talks.