Community Biodiversity Hub sought for this Kildare Municipal District

The establishment of a Community Biodiversity Hub is being sought for the Celbridge-Leixlip Municipal District (MD).

Kildare county councillor Nuala Killeen made the request at the latest MD meeting, which took place on Friday, November 21 last.

The Social Democrats representative, who appeared at the meeting by virtual means, motioned for Kildare County Council (KCC) to establish the Hub in order to "support citizen science, training, and local restoration projects, open space sites and to include riverways and the canal".

Her motion was seconded by Fianna Fáil Cllr Bernard Caulfield.

Responding to Cllr Killeen's motion, KCC said via the report it presented at the meeting that the suggestion to establish the Hub "is noted and timely".

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PLAN ON DISPLAY

KCC elaborated: "The Kildare County Biodiversity Action Plan 2026-2031 is currently on public display, which provides a structured approach to nature conservation at the local authority level and informs the work of the Biodiversity Office to 2031."

KCC further said: "Whilst it is not possible to commit to the consideration of a biodiversity hub within the Celbridge Leixlip MD at this time, it is noteworthy that the Draft Biodiversity Action Plan 2026-2031 includes a proposed action (Action 2.2) to develop a 'Community Biodiversity Demonstration Garden for use in training and capacity-building on all aspects of biodiversity and climate action for Community Groups, KCC staff and potentially as a best practice regional demonstration site'.

"A site selection process across the county will be required in this regard, subject to resources."

KCC also told those in attendance that members of the public are invited to make their submissions to this draft plan before 4pm on Monday, December 1 2025.

"The final Kildare County Biodiversity Action Plan will be presented to the elected members of KCC in January 2026 for their consideration," KCC added.

CROSS-PARTY SUPPORT

Fine Gael Cllr Paul Brooks, who appeared at the meeting by virtual means, told KCC that he also supported the establishment of a Hub for the MD.

He added: "We have an opportunity to stand out here."

The Mayor of the MD, Labour Party Cllr Rupert Heather, as well as Fianna Fáil Cllr David Trost and Social Democrats Cllr Claire O'Rourke (the latter of whom appeared by virtual means), also expressed support for the motion.

Cllr Killeen in turn thanked the other councillors for their support.

Social Democrats Cllr Nuala Killeen. Photograph credit: Kildarecoco.ie

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Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.