'Fantastic' Little Tern Conservancy Project in Baltray visited by Minister
Louth County Council welcomed the Minister of State for Nature, Biodiversity and Heritage, Christopher O’Sullivan TD, to the Baltray Little Tern Conservancy Project in Drogheda.
Minister of State for Nature, Biodiversity and Heritage, Christopher O’Sullivan has visited the Baltray Little Tern Conservancy Project in Drogheda .
Minister O’Sullivan’s visit took place during National Biodiversity Week and marked the announcement of the 2026 Local Biodiversity Action Fund allocations.
The Minister was welcomed to County Louth by the Mayor of Drogheda, Cllr Michelle Hall who said:
"I am delighted to welcome Minister O’Sullivan to Drogheda during National Biodiversity Week. The Baltray Little Tern Conservation Project showcases the very best of community-led environmental action. The commitment of volunteers, supported by initiatives such as the Local Biodiversity Action Fund, ensures that our natural heritage is protected for future generations."
The Local Biodiversity Action Fund is managed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) and delivered locally by Louth County Council. It supports practical projects that assist local authorities in implementing biodiversity actions with projects delivering critical actions under Ireland’s National Biodiversity Action Plan. In 2026, seven projects across County Louth received funding, including the Baltray Little Tern Conservation Project.
The Baltray project is a long-running, conservation initiative led by Louth Nature Trust. It focuses on protecting the Little Tern, one of Ireland’s most vulnerable breeding seabirds. Since 2007, the project has worked to protect shore nesting sites, monitor birds, manage predators, and raise public awareness about the species vulnerability to disturbance. The Local Biodiversity Action Fund supports round-the-clock wardening throughout the breeding season with local volunteers playing a key role.
During his visit, Minister O’Sullivan met with Louth Nature Trust wardens and volunteers and observed first-hand the conservation work in action. Commenting on the project, Minister O’Sullivan said:
"The Little Tern Conservation Project at Baltray, Co Louth, is a fantastic example of what the Local Biodiversity Action Fund can achieve on the ground. During my visit, I learned how the project produced almost 250 fledglings last year – the highest number since it began in 2007. When we equip people with the knowledge and resources to act, they can make a real difference to the survival of even our most vulnerable ground nesting birds.”
Dominic Hartigan, Director of the Louth Nature Trust and a volunteer with the project, added:
"This Louth Nature Trust led project is driven by a shared commitment to protect the Little Tern and ensure this important breeding site at Baltray is undisturbed. Every breeding season our wardens and volunteers come together to protect the colony and respond to the many challenges these birds face. We are always looking for more people to get involved, and I would encourage anyone with an interest in nature to support the project and become a volunteer."
A total of €96,700 has been awarded by NPWS to community-based biodiversity projects in County Louth this year under the Local Biodiversity Action Fund. Co-funding from Louth County Council means that nearly €114,000 is available for biodiversity action in Louth in 2026. Welcoming the allocation Helen Hanratty, Biodiversity Officer with Louth County Council, said:
"This funding will support important biodiversity projects across County Louth. These projects help protect species, improve habitats, build skills and connect people with nature. They bring real benefits to our environment and help to show the important role local authorities and communities have in contributing to the delivery of national biodiversity objectives.”
2026 Local Biodiversity Action Fund – Grant Award from NPWS for Projects in County Louth (Total award including co-funding from Louth County Council)
Baltray Little Tern Conservancy – €31,450 (€37,000)
The Hare’s Corner – €29,750 (€35,000)
Woodland Bat Monitoring Survey – €1,215 (€1,429)
Birds on the Green: Our Pitches, Their Habitat – €3,927 (€4,620)
Biodiversity Enhancement of Local Authority Lands – €9,107 (€10,715)
Building Ecological Capacity & Biodiversity Awareness – €17,000 (€20,000)
Faith Communities “Return to Nature” – €4,250 (€5,000)
Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.