Donegal County Council invites public input for first County Biodiversity Action Plan

Heritage

Donegal County Council invites public input for first County Biodiversity Action Plan

Donegal County Council, in partnership with The Heritage Council, is excited to announce the development of its first County Biodiversity Action Plan.  As part of this vital initiative, the Council seeks the invaluable input of residents, visitors, and stakeholders to help identify key issues facing biodiversity in the county and establish priorities for action.

Biodiversity—the variety of life on Earth—is crucial for sustaining ecosystems that provide essential services such as food, clean water, and recreational opportunities. County Donegal boasts an impressive array of habitats, from its breathtaking coastlines to its unique bogs, rivers, and native woodlands. However, recent studies indicate that a staggering 85% of EU-protected habitats are in an unfavourable status, highlighting an urgent need for collective action to address biodiversity loss.

The upcoming Donegal Biodiversity Action Plan aims to align with Ireland’s 4th National Biodiversity Action Plan (2023-2030) and address various threats to ecosystems at a local level.  Cllr Niamh Kennedy, Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council explained, “We are calling on our community to come forward with their ideas and experiences. Together, we can create a plan that not only protects our natural heritage but also enhances our quality of life too.”

The Council invites public participation through attendance at one of the five drop-in biodiversity clinics across Donegal, where people can share their insights. Additionally, an online questionnaire has been created to gather further opinions and suggestions and anyone is invited to get in touch directly with the Biodiversity Officer to express their views.

Key Details for Participation:

In person - You can attend one of our five Drop-in Biodiversity Clinics across Donegal.

• Saturday 16th November from 11am - 2pm @ Buncrana Library
• Tuesday 19th November from 4 - 7pm @ Regional Cultural Centre, Letterkenny
• Wednesday 20th November from 4 - 7pm @ Leabharlann Phobail Ghaoth Dobhair
• Tuesday 26th November from 4 - 7pm @ The Base /Twin Towns Library, Stranorlar
• Saturday 7th December from 11am - 2pm @ Bundoran Library

Online Questionnaire: Share your thoughts by visiting our consultation portal at consult.donegal.ie  or email your submissions to biodiversity@donegalcoco.ie. All submissions must be received by 12pm on Monday 23rd December 2024.

Any queries associated with the consultation should be forwarded to biodiversity@donegalcoco.ie.

Thanks are extended to The Heritage Council, for funding to support the development of the first Donegal Biodiversity Action Plan, through the County Biodiversity Action Plan programme. The Local Authority Biodiversity Officer Programme is delivered in partnership with The Heritage Council.

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