HABITATS for the rarely seen bird species the snipe are to be created in Donegal following a funding allocation from the Department of Heritage.
It is one of three biodiversity projects set to be advanced following an announcement by Minister Malcolm Noonan.
Just over €18,300 has been dedicated to the establishment of snipe habitats with a view to obtaining a baseline population estimate.
A second project, dune restoration at Marble Hill, has been granted €13,408.
The money will be used to manage, by physical removal and treatment, invasions that are already widely spread.
New signage and fencing will be put in place to restrict access across the dunes while National Parks and Wildilife has also committed to initiating a continuous surveillance system and contingency plan.
The third scheme is a survey of the county’s wetlands. Phase two has been allocated €16,235 following the completion of the first stage.
In 2021 Wetland Surveys Ireland and Foss Environmental Consulting drew up a database of wetland sites in Donegal. A desktop analysis was then undertaken to compile a map of 898 potential wetland locations.
Following the new funding boost, phase two will aim to refine the extent, distribution and types of wetland in the county in order to provide biodiversity information to inform decision-making.
Minister Noonan said 128 projects were receiving funding across all 31 local authorities.
“This will have real, tangible impact for nature and it couldn’t come at a more crucial time. What’s more, the successful projects are all contributing to the implementation of the National Biodiversity Action Plan (NBAP) and helping to advance our shared vision for nature.
“The new NBAP is currently out for public consultation so it’s a great opportunity for people to have their say and help shape the future for biodiversity in Ireland.”
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