Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O'Sullivan TD, has opened the 2026 Local Biodiversity Action Fund, making €3 million available to local authorities for nature projects. Managed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), the scheme is open to all councils and will back research and surveys, invasive species measures and habitat management. It is designed to help deliver actions under Ireland's fourth National Biodiversity Action Plan.

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD, said: "Great to open this fund with Minister of State O'Sullivan today. Our public and shared places are important for biodiversity, and also for our health and wellbeing. Local authorities are uniquely placed to work with communities to protect biodiversity in our communities and this fund supports them to do that.

"This year we awarded funding to over 260 different projects across thirty-one local authorities, supported by Biodiversity and Heritage Officers. Through this investment and our collective efforts we can deliver on the ambition of our National Biodiversity Action Plan, to make a positive impact for nature and improve our communities."

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Marking the launch, Minister Christopher O'Sullivan TD said: "This year's Local Biodiversity Action Fund will put €3m in communities across the country to deliver practical, creative and locally-led actions for nature where it matters most. Previous grants have funded surveys of rare birds and plants, restoration measures in key habitats like wetlands, grasslands and rivers, as well as projects to protect species like Barn Owls and Lesser Horseshoe Bats. It is great to see the Biodiversity Officers network playing such a vital role in bringing local authorities together with communities to progress local initiatives and partnerships. I'm excited to see what this year's fund will support."

First established in 2018, the fund has provided over €13 million to local authorities in the past seven years. In 2025, 262 projects across 31 local authorities received support, covering species monitoring, invasive species control, and habitat restoration and management.

Examples in 2025 included the Hare's Corner initiative (seven councils creating ponds, woodlands and orchards), Nightjar breeding surveys in Wexford with similar work in Tipperary and Waterford, wildflower meadow management by Cork City Council under the All-Island Pollinator Plan, Barn Owl surveys and nest box schemes across eleven councils, and 40 invasive species projects in 21 areas targeting Giant Hogweed, Japanese Knotweed, Cherry Laurel and Quagga Mussels.

Applications close on 5 February 2026.