Laois County Council is calling for participation in the consultation for the Laois Local Biodiversity Plan.
A Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) provides a strategic framework for protecting, enhancing, and restoring biodiversity.
It brings together stakeholders, sets priorities, and enables Laois to meet national and EU conservation targets while supporting a sustainable and healthy environment for future generations.
Under the fourth National Biodiversity Action Plan, it is a requirement for all government departments and local authorities to have Biodiversity Action Plans in place by the end of 2026.
The process to create a Draft Biodiversity Action Plan is currently underway, to set out how we can protect, restore, and enhance local nature.
Public engagement will commence week of the September 8 through to October 31.
All are encouraged to attend a session and participate in the consultation process.
It is an opportunity to identify biodiversity issues and needs at local level and to discuss mechanisms to address them locally.
At these public engagement sessions participants will also hear about funding available soon to community groups for biodiversity projects under the Community Climate Action Fund.
This funding is 100% and also covers other climate positive projects like sustainable travel, reuse and repair, locally grown food, community building retro fits and renewable energy.
The consultations will be held in the following venues from 5pm-7pm, in 1 hour slots with first 5-6pm and the second 6-7pm:
- Rathdowney Youth Cafe: Tuesday, 9th September
- Abbeyleix Library: Thursday, 25th September
- Camross Community hub: Thursday, 2nd October
- Killeshin hub: Tuesday, 7th October
- Portarlington Community Centre: Wednesday 22nd October
- Portlaoise Library: Thursday, 16th October
Written submissions are also invited and should be received by the Laois Biodiversity Officer by October 31.
To make a submission go to Laois.ie from Monday, September 8.
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