Steven Matthews TD has welcomed funding of €79,500 for 5 Wicklow projects under the Local Biodiversity Action Fund, announced by Minister Malcolm Noonan. This fund aims to support Wicklow County Council and local community groups carry out projects focused on protecting nature and the environment. The five Wicklow biodiversity projects from around the county that have received funding under this scheme are:
· Coastal Conservation Projects for Brittas Bay, Bray Head, Wicklow Head & Arklow Port
· Biodiversity initiatives for Wicklow County Council Sites
· Urban Hedgerow research, protection, and community awareness campaign
· Wicklow based project to monitor woodland bats.
· Study and research into protecting Irish mayfly species in aquatic habitats in Wicklow.
Speaking after the funding announcement, Deputy Matthews said:
“This is good news for Wicklow and good news for nature. As we battle the climate crisis, the biodiversity crisis is often overlooked. Protecting and restoring our natural world, our rivers, our forests, and our wild species is key to a healthy place to live. Protecting it needs to be integral to everything we do. Localised projects like these will raise awareness of the importance of natural assets like dunes and hedgerows in protecting our biodiverse species and ecosystems.”
“I work closely with my Green Party colleague, Minister Noonan to ensure we plan and fund nature protection. We have visited many of the incredible natural habitats and nature sites which we are so fortunate to have in Wicklow. This funding is important and will go a long way towards helping many projects around the county. One of my priorities is to protect and restore out natural environment so it can be enjoyed by all and to leave it in better condition for our children and grandchildren. I look forward to working directly with Wicklow County Council to ensure seamless drawdown of these funds and offering any support I can to progressing these initiatives,” Deputy Matthews concluded.
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