Inaugural Kildare Biodiversity Conference showcases ongoing work in the County
17th October 2023: The inaugural ‘Kildare Biodiversity Conference’ took place on Saturday 14th of October in The Keadeen Hotel, Newbridge. This first of its kind event was organised by Kildare Wildlife Rescue in partnership with Kildare County Council, and was funded by the Local Biodiversity Action Fund, which is operated by the National Parks and Wildlife Service of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
The event brought together specialists and expert groups, showcasing the wide range of ongoing work in the realm of ecology, nature and biodiversity, across County Kildare. It was launched by Leas Cathaoirleach of the County of Kildare, Councillor Tracey O’Dwyer. Speaking at the event, Leas Cathaoirleach explained; “Kildare County Council has already supported over twenty towns and communities across the county, to develop their own Local Biodiversity Action Plans, through LEADER and Local Property Tax funding.”
Minister of State for Land Use and Biodiversity in the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Pippa Hackett, spoke about the importance and urgent need for action to protect biodiversity at all levels, and how critical it is from a biodiversity and climate change perspective to conserve and restore natural habitats across the county and the country.
National Parks and Wildlife Service’s Noel Bugler and Kildare County Council’s Biodiversity Officer, Dr. Meabh Boylan, also addressed the sold-out conference, before local specialist groups presented their work.
These groups included Wild Kildare, The Irish Peatland Conservation Council (IPCC), Farming for Nature ambassadors, Bat Conservation Ireland, Dúlra Éireann, Kill Tidy Towns, Kildare Bat Group, and Birdwatch Ireland.
Dan Donoher, Manager of Kildare Wildlife Rescue, and organiser of the event, stated that "By bringing together passionate individuals and organizations invested in biodiversity, we hope to foster collaboration, inspire innovation, and ultimately make a positive impact on the ground for our wildlife and natural habitats."
It is hoped that this event is just the first of many, as discussions on how to build on this year’s successes have already begun - watch this space!
