EFFORTS to protect and support local wildlife, plants and nature are receiving a major boost with the confirmation of €6,000 in grant support for Falcarragh Tidy Towns.
With the support from both Community Foundation Ireland and the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), many local actions are planned.
Coiste Glan agus Glas An Fháil Carraigh aims to develop a welcoming, sustainable community in the vibrant Gaeltacht town.
Welcoming the support from the Community Foundation and the National Parks and Wildlife Service, Caitríona ‘Uí Cheallaigh , Falcarragh Tidy Towns’ Secretary, said: “Building community and achieving sustainability are at the core of what we do, since our small beginnings 18 years ago, working together towards a community in which biodiversity is nurtured.
“Having launched our Strategic Action Plan last year, our next natural progression was towards developing a Community Biodiversity Action Plan, to ensure we plan meaningfully for future projects, working closely with our two local schools, Scoil Fhionáin and Pobalscoil Chloich Cheann Fhaola, as well as local farmers, environmental groups and organisations.
“Such a generous award from Community Foundation Ireland will go a long way in supporting our work, and serves as a huge endorsement of the tireless efforts of our volunteers, under the guidance of Chairperson Mary ‘Uí Bhaoill.”
Congratulating the local project, Denise Charlton, Chief Executive of Community Foundation Ireland said: “We all know nature is in crisis.
“Once familiar bird songs, the fleeting sight of a passing animal and even our creepy crawlies and native plants are disappearing.
“Local actions are key to addressing this.
“Since partnering with the National Parks and Wildlife Service in 2019, we are now working with 300 communities on local biodiversity action plans.
“This unique partnership not only brings together the foundation’s private philanthropic funds with public money, but it also partners communities with the insights and skills of expert ecologists.
“I look forward to hearing about the success of the work ahead.”
Niall Ó Donnchú, Director General of the National Parks and Wildlife Service added: “This partnership between NPWS and Community Foundation Ireland supports action for nature at the local level.
“We welcome the increasing focus on citizen science, community outreach and engagement with schools, all of which are key to addressing the biodiversity crisis.”
This year’s grants are supported by philanthropic funding from Community Foundation Ireland and its donors, including a major contribution from the Sunflower Charitable Foundation, along with funding from the National Parks and Wildlife Service of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
For more details contact falcarraghtidytowns@gmail.com or visit our Facebook page- Falcarragh Tidy Towns.
