Major biodiversity plan announced for Kildare

Kildare County Council has announced the pre-draft public consultation phase for the County Kildare Biodiversity Action Plan 2026-2031.

The public consultation is open between Friday March 21 and Friday May 2 inclusive.

This Biodiversity Action plan aims to address biodiversity loss across the county and to promote actions for a more sustainable and resilient natural environment.

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As one of the first local authorities in Ireland to declare a biodiversity and climate emergency, in 2019, Kildare County Council is committed to protecting its rich and unique biodiversity.

The five-year plan will outline actions and objectives that align with, and build on, national efforts to halt the decline of our species and habitats.

The plan is underpinned by the objectives of Ireland’s 4th National Biodiversity Action Plan, which places emphasizes local action to address global biodiversity loss. This includes the restoration of habitats and ecosystems, protecting key species, and promoting nature-based solutions to mitigate climate impacts.

The public are invited to assist in the preparation of County Kildare’s next Biodiversity Action Plan by providing feedback via the consultation process. The feedback received will inform the actions, aims and objectives of the plan.

The ‘Discussion Paper’ can be found on the Online Consultation Portal on  https://consult.kildarecoco.ie/en/consultation/biodiversity-action-plan-county-kildare-2026-2031

Additionally, Kildare County Council’s Biodiversity Officer will hold pre-draft public consultation walk-in clinics at the following locations:

• Naas Library: Tuesday March 25, 6pm - 8pm

• Kildare Town Library: Wednesday March 26, 1pm-3pm

• Athy Library: Friday March 28, 2pm -4pm

• Leixlip Library: Tuesday April 1, 6pm - 8pm

• Maynooth Library: Thursday April 3, 3pm-5pm

An online clinic is scheduled for:

• Online, via TEAMS: Tuesday April 8, 7pm-8pm

For further details, to register for the online event or to make a submission at this pre-draft stage visit the Online Consultation Portal on ( https://consult.kildarecoco.ie/en/consultation/biodiversity-action-plan-county-kildare-2026-2031 ).

Alternatively, you can email biodiversity@kildarecoco.ie

or Send your submissions by post to: the Biodiversity Officer at Kildare County Council, Aras Chill Dara, Devoy Park, Naas, Co. Kildare W91X77F

Submissions or observations should include your name and address and, where relevant, details of any organisation, community group or company you represent.

Young people, or groups/organisations representing the interests of young people, are particularly encouraged to make submissions.