Sligo County Council marks a significant milestone with the launch of the County Sligo Biodiversity Action Plan 2025–2030.
Launch of Biodiversity Action Plan
A New Chapter for Nature: Sligo County Council Launches Biodiversity Action Plan 2025–2030
Chief Executive of the Heritage Council, Virginia Teehan with the Cathaoirleach and Chief Executive of Sligo County Council, and members of the County Sligo Biodiversity Working Group.
The Plan sets out a clear and ambitious framework for how the Council will protect and restore biodiversity across the county. The pressures on nature have never been greater, with climate change, habitat loss, pollution, and invasive species all contributing to biodiversity loss. This Action Plan provides a practical roadmap to protect, manage, and promote Sligo’s extensive natural resources. It reflects the Council’s commitment to embedding biodiversity across all departments, while aligning local priorities with national and international policy.
The Plan will be implemented by the County Sligo Biodiversity Officer, supported by the Biodiversity Working Group. The Local Authority Biodiversity Officer network is coordinated nationally by the Heritage Council.
Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council and Chair of the Biodiversity Working Group, Cllr. Dónal Gilroy, stated:
“The expertise and commitment of the County Sligo Biodiversity Working Group was invaluable in preparing this plan, and will continue to guide us as we move from words to action.”
Virginia Teehan, Chief Executive of the Heritage Council, said:
“The Sligo Biodiversity Action Plan takes policy and turns it into real work on the ground, through leadership and expertise.”
The Sligo Biodiversity Working Group includes Council staff, elected members, ATU, Sligo PPN, local biodiversity groups, and state agencies including Coillte, Inland Fisheries Ireland, NPWS, IFA, Teagasc, and LAWPRO.
County Sligo is home to a remarkable diversity of habitats and species, from the wild Atlantic coastline to its ancient uplands. The Biodiversity Action Plan recognises that a healthy environment is essential for sustaining communities, supporting the economy, and enriching quality of life. It also acknowledges that these natural resources must be cared for and managed sustainably.
Martin Lydon, Chief Executive of Sligo County Council said
“Achieving the objectives of this Plan will require a shared, collective effort. The actions outlined reflect the Council’s determination to integrate biodiversity into every aspect of our work.”
Members of the public were invited to share their views to shape the development of the Plan, and attend biodiversity talks, during the pre‑draft and draft consultation periods in 2024 and 2025.
Sligo Biodiversity Officer Ruth Hanniffy added:
“Sligo is fortunate to have so many nature champions, and I am delighted to work in partnership with them to achieve meaningful, measurable progress for nature.”
The Plan includes information on Sligo’s protected species and habitats, relevant legislation, priority areas of work, and the key threats facing biodiversity. It sets out 52 objectives under five strategic themes, covering both internal Council policies and practices, and partnerships across organisations and communities. Through these collaborations, Sligo County Council aims to safeguard the natural world and ensure the county remains resilient, vibrant, and thriving — for people, for nature, and for generations to come.
