Meath Co. Council – Press Release – 8th August 2011

Title:Nature has no Boundaries with Cross-Border Biodiversity Project

A major new cross border biodiversity initiative, to promote wildlife and nature across the whole of the North East of Ireland, was launched locally in Meath by the Cathaoirleach of Meath County Council Cllr Eoin Holmes at the July Council meeting. The project Action for Biodiversity is a three-year project, funded by the European Union’s INTERREG IVA Cross Border Programme and is adopting a stepwise approach to assist each local authority in the region to develop, promote and implement a practical, achievable commitment to biodiversity.
Ten local authority areas in the East Border Region will participate in this project. They include: Louth, Monaghan and Meath County Councils in the Republic of Ireland and Newry and Mourne, Down and Banbridge District Councils,ArmaghCity and District Council, Craigavon, Ards and North Down Borough Councils in Northern Ireland.
The framework will engage councils, businesses and communities in the biodiversity process, will raise awareness as well as producing and implementing plans for protecting priority habitats and species.
Speaking at the launch Cllr Holmes emphasised that ‘a healthy, environment is one which supports healthy communities and that there is a clear link between a strong and vibrant economy and a protected and enhanced environment’
County Manager Tom Dowling added that ‘the project is an important milestone in the history of the East Border Region and will involve engaging people in learning about the wonderful natural environment we have in Meath’.
Speaking at the launch, Loreto Guinan, Meath Heritage Officer said that“this worthwhile project seeks to create Ireland’s very first regional biodiversity framework. It will help to create a richer and more diverse environment, which will be highly attractive to the people and businesses of the region. The image of the region for tourists will also be enhanced.”
Biodiversity is our life support system, providing countless benefits from clean air, to clean water, flood defences and climate control to our people and all for free.
Three biodiversity project officers have been appointed to work with the ten local authorities; Dr Carmel Brennan will work with Monaghan and Meath Local Authorities. The Action for Biodiversity project sets out to overcome the inconsistency in the way biodiversity is regarded across the region. Some local authorities currently have little provision for their wildlife resources while others are forging ahead with implementing Biodiversity Action Plans. ENDS
For further information Contact:
Dr Carmel Brennan
Action for Biodiversity Project Officer (Meath and Monaghan)
Monaghan County Council
Council Offices,
The Glen,
Monaghan
Tel: 047 73716 or 087 7606298
Email: