Louth project receives funding for conservation work

A community project in Louth is to receive funding under the Peatlands and Natura Community Engagement Scheme, it was announced today by Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

Friends of Ardee Bog is to receive €3,357 for a hydrology restoration project. It is one of 45 community groups in seventeen counties around the country to receive funding assistance with their conservation work.

The Peatlands and Natura Community Engagement Scheme supports local initiatives for the conservation and revitalisation of Natura 2000 Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) and Special Protection Areas (SPA) and all peatland areas. It is aimed at community-led and volunteer groups and promotes awareness of, and engagement with our natural heritage and environment.

Announcing the funding, Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity Christopher O’Sullivan TD said: “The health of our natural world is inextricably linked to the health of our communities. Successful conservation efforts must be driven by and rooted within those communities.

Read next: Rejection of Louth application for funding for St Patrick's Day queried

"Local knowledge, and a sense of ownership are vital to safeguarding our precious ecosystems and species and mitigating the impact of climate change. This scheme is an example of how we will solve the biodiversity crisis in Ireland by fostering strong partnerships, empowering local initiatives, and putting communities at the heart of nature conservation."