Minister launches Longford Biodiversity Action Plan and Birdwatching initiative

Minister for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity Christopher O'Sullivan officially launched the Longford Biodiversity Action Plan 2025-2030 alongside an innovative birdwatching backpack loan scheme at Edgeworthstown Library last week. 

The comprehensive five-year action plan establishes Longford County Council's formal commitments to improving biodiversity throughout the county. The strategy focuses on protecting and enhancing natural habitats, fostering collaboration with community groups, and encouraging widespread public participation in biodiversity improvements.

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Complementing the plan's launch, the new birdwatching backpack loan scheme offers residents access to equipment through their local libraries. The initiative, funded by the National Parks and Wildlife Service and Longford County Council through the Local Biodiversity Action Fund, includes BirdWatch Ireland starter packs and bird detective magazines provided through a partnership with BirdWatch Ireland.

A biodiversity open day, hosted by the Library Service, ran alongside the launch event, showcasing organisations working to protect Ireland's natural heritage. The exhibition highlighted ongoing conservation efforts across the country, demonstrating the breadth of work being undertaken to safeguard our biodiversity. 

The ceremony brought together key stakeholders including CEO of the Heritage Council Virginia Teehan, CEO of BirdWatch Ireland Dr Andrew Kelly, Cathaoirleach of Longford County Council Cllr Garry Murtagh, Chief Executive of Longford County Council Paddy Mahon, and local county councillors to mark this significant step forward in environmental protection.

Minister for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity Christopher O'Sullivan said, “The challenges being faced in County Longford to address biodiversity decline reflect the national picture. What we can observe today is that these challenges are being met head-on, through practical projects, a strong local plan and the enthusiasm of the people of Longford who are the acting custodians of this wealth of natural heritage.”

Cathaoirleach of Longford County Council, Cllr Garry Murtagh, said, "Longford County Council takes pride in committing to protect the landscapes and species that form the heart of our county. This Biodiversity Action Plan represents our dedication to engaging with residents, landowners, and partner agencies to safeguard and enhance the natural environment that defines County Longford."

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Chief Executive of Longford County Council, Paddy Mahon, said, "The launch of our Biodiversity Action Plan 2025-2030 marks Longford County Council's unwavering commitment to protecting and celebrating our natural heritage whilst strengthening the vital connections between our environment and our communities. Our county's natural heritage stands as a source of genuine pride and merits both recognition and protection."

The development of the Longford Biodiversity Action Plan 2025-2030 received funding from the Heritage Council and Longford County Council, with the Biodiversity Officer position jointly supported by both organisations. The Biodiversity Officer Programme represents a significant advancement in establishing Local Biodiversity Action Plans across all local authority areas. Longford’s Biodiversity Action Plan will deepen an understanding of biodiversity within the county whilst simultaneously protecting and enhancing our natural environment.

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The launch event was funded by the Heritage Council through the Local Biodiversity Action Plan grant.

Longford County Council’s Environment Section, Library Service, and Heritage Office collaborated in and contributed to both initiatives.