Community biodiversity projects secure €1.1 million in State funding
53 initiatives across 20 counties to support peatland restoration, species protection and Natura 2000 sites
28 February 2026 | 📧 editor@ipropertyradio.com
More than €1.1 million has been allocated to 53 community-led conservation projects under the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) Peatlands and Natura Community Engagement Scheme 2026.
The funding, announced by Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity Christopher O’Sullivan TD, will support initiatives across 20 counties focused on peatland restoration, Natura 2000 sites, endangered species research and the removal of invasive species.
The scheme is designed to encourage community groups and volunteers to conserve and restore Special Areas of Conservation (SACs), Special Protection Areas (SPAs) and peatland habitats, while increasing public awareness of Ireland’s natural heritage.
According to the published list of grantees, projects range in scale from smaller local studies to €40,000 awards for larger restoration and engagement programmes.
In Clare, multiple Hometree Charity restoration projects secured funding of between €19,995 and €40,000, alongside peatland training and citizen science initiatives.
Cork projects include peatland youth programmes and climate workshops (€40,000), community engagement at Myross Wood SAC (€18,000) and porpoise tracking in Kenmare Bay (€36,841).
Marine-focused research also features in Donegal and Kerry, including cetacean monitoring in Donegal Bay (€30,000) Peatlands_and_Natura_Community_… and surveys from Hook Head to Rosslare (€30,375).
Peatland restoration is a consistent theme nationwide. Monaghan projects include Sliabh Beagh Restoration Phase 5 (€25,610) and Cor Bog Restoration Phase 3 (€20,000). In Wicklow, two BirdWatch Ireland habitat and breeding bird assessments secured €19,680 and €22,400 respectively, while Wicklow Uplands Council received €40,000 for woodland planting and engagement.
Projects approved this year include species surveys to inform site management plans, public outreach and education programmes, hydrological baseline studies for bog restoration, and invasive species removal works.
Minister O’Sullivan said the increased allocation would allow the scheme to expand its impact in 2026, supporting communities to take practical action for habitats and wildlife. NPWS Director General Niall O’Donnchú said local investment strengthens both biodiversity outcomes and community stewardship.
The Peatlands and Natura Community Engagement Scheme forms part of the State’s wider response to biodiversity loss and habitat degradation, with a focus on locally led delivery across protected sites and peatland landscapes.
