Minister of State for Nature, Biodiversity and Heritage, Christopher O’Sullivan has announced €3 million in funding under the Local Biodiversity Action Fund 2026.

A range of local authority-led projects have been selected for support through this fund, which is managed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS).

Making the announcement during National Biodiversity Week, Minister O’Sullivan said this funding for 209 nature projects around the country will have "huge impacts for our habitats and wildlife".

"I’d like to congratulate all of our biodiversity officers, who will now be rolling out these initiatives and bringing communities together to enhance nature in their local area," the minister said.

“The impressive range of projects being funded reveals the passion, expertise and ambition in our local authorities to act for nature."

Nature proposals

Proposals include everything from surveying species of birds in decline, such as the swift, to managing meadows to enhance wildflowers and restoring sand dunes and wetlands.

“There are practical, hands-on projects too, such as removing invasive species, as well as projects that are expanding into more counties like the Hare’s Corner and Return to Nature initiatives," Minister O'Sullivan added.

The minister also visited Louth County Council’s Baltray Little Terns Conservation Project, which received funding under the LBAF in 2025 and again this year. 

“During my visit, I learned how the project produced almost 250 fledglings last year – the highest number since it began in 2007," he said.

"When we equip people with the knowledge and resources to act, they can make a real difference to the survival of even our most vulnerable ground-nesting birds."

Protecting natural heritage

Director general of the NPWS, Niall O’Donnchú added: “Our public and shared places are vital for biodiversity, as well as for our health and wellbeing.

"I am delighted to see such a high standard of applications this year.

"By supporting these projects, we are empowering local authorities to work directly with their communities to protect the natural heritage in their own localities."

Examples of approved projects for 2026 include:

Habitat survey of the Dodder River;
Invasive species management on council-owned lands in Tipperary;
Cork city wildflower meadow enhancement project;
Woodland bat monitoring - Donegal, Kildare, Kilkenny, Longford, Louth, Sligo, Meath, Monaghan, Wicklow;
Countywide ecological surveys for Kerry;
Habitat enhancement at Duckspool Wetland, Dungarvan.

Local authorities will now begin the implementation of these projects.