Green Limerick: Funding announced to help tackle invasive species
THE GOVERNMENT has dedicated funding to clear the infestation of Giant Hogweed along the River Loobagh that flows through Kilmallock.
The funding is part of a larger scheme for biodiversity projects around the country with over €55,000 for Limerick.
A total of six projects in Limerick will receive funding, the Giant Hogweed clearance on the River Loobagh received the most funding with €15,683.
Giant Hogweed is an invasive, fast spreading species. It is a health hazard due to the severe burns the plant sap causes when combined with UV sunlight.
Other projects which benefitted from the funding include: €15,500 for a County Limerick Hedgerow Survey, €9,500 to Celebrate 30 Years of Knowledge of the Shannon Dolphins, €8,691 for Barn Owl Conservation, €4,119 for the River Shannon Quagga Mussel project, €2,304 for a Barn Owl Booklet.
The Local Biodiversity Action Fund was first launched in 2018.
Since then, a total of just over €6 million has been granted to local authorities through the LBAF for projects that support actions in the 3rd National Biodiversity Action Plan (NBAP).
This year’s grants will build on that investment.
Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan TD was “delighted to announce the funding”.
“The Local Biodiversity Action Fund is an enormously impactful scheme that supports local authorities and communities to deliver on Ireland’s national objectives for nature, from invasive species to habitat restoration to awareness-raising to surveys and monitoring work. As more and more biodiversity officers join the ranks of our local authorities, I know that the benefits for nature and people that this fund provides are only going to grow," he said.
A total of 188 projects have been approved across all local authorities, covering a range of biodiversity-related activities, including invasive alien species control, dune restoration, wetland surveys and biodiversity awareness and training.
The Maigue Rivers Trust have previously conducted Giant Hogweed clearing measures. The invasive species thrives in the Irish climate and can be found along many river banks in Ireland. It can be spotted along the areas of the River Shannon and Maigue.
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