€96,700 announced for biodiversity projects across Longford

Longford projects to benefit from funding under the Local Biodiversity Action Fund

Press Release: Friday, 5 June 2026 

The Minister of State for Nature, Biodiversity and Heritage Christopher O’Sullivan has announced funding of €96,700 for biodiversity projects across County Longford.

The funding has been awarded under the Local Biodiversity Action Fund (LBAF) 2026 as part of a nationwide allocation of €3 million from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

The LBAF is operated by the National Parks and Wildlife Service to assist local authorities in carrying out projects that support the objectives of Ireland’s 4th National Biodiversity Action Plan 2023–2030.

Announcing the funding, Minister O’Sullivan said: “The impressive range of projects being funded highlights the passion, expertise and ambition within our local authorities to act for nature. Proposals include surveying species of birds in decline, such as the swift, managing meadows to enhance wildflowers, and restoring dunes and wetlands.”

Projects funded under the Local Biodiversity Action Fund (LBAF) 2026 in County Longford:
•    ReFarm Longford – working with farmers to create more space for nature on Irish farmlands: €21,250
•    Longford Grassland Survey: €21,250
•    Longford Biodiversity Summer School: €20,000
•    Biodiversity awareness, outreach and capacity building: €13,500
•    Longford Biodiversity workbooks: €12,750
•    Specialised breeding bird survey of raised bogs in County Longford: €4,675
•    Longford woodland Bat Monitoring Survey: €2,740.91
•    Survey and Public Awareness on Aquatic Invasive Species in the Shannon River System: €560.77

Cathaoirleach of Longford County Council, Cllr Garry Murtagh, said: “I warmly welcome this funding under the Local Biodiversity Action Fund 2026. It is a strong endorsement of the work taking place across County Longford to protect and restore nature. These projects will help safeguard Longford’s natural heritage for future generations.”

Chief Executive of Longford County Council, Paddy Mahon, said: “The Local Biodiversity Action Fund provides important support for the delivery of key actions set out in our Longford Climate Action Plan and Longford Biodiversity Plan, including the protection of habitats, better biodiversity data and stronger community engagement. Longford County Council is pleased to continue to support the work of our Biodiversity Officer, and this funding will help to preserve and enhance the unique biodiversity enjoyed by communities across the county.”

The Local Biodiversity Action Fund was established in 2018 to assist local authorities in implementing biodiversity actions.

Longford County Council will now begin implementing these projects.

For updates, follow Longford County Council on social media