Pictures: Valerie O’Sullivan
An allocation of €40,000 has been sanctioned for a habitat restoration project on Strirkeen mountain in Killarney.
The funding has been approved for the Macgillycuddy Reeks Mountain Access Forum under the Peatlands and Natura Community Engagement Scheme.
Minister of State Michael Healy-Rae, Minister Norma Foley, Deputy Danny Healy-Rae and Deputy Michael Cahill have all welcomed the allocations for a number of Kerry projects which will benefit heritage groups, environmental organisations and tidy towns groups for their conservation work in peatlands areas and Natura 2000 sites.
Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity Christopher O’Sullivan, said the health of the natural world is inextricably linked to the health of communities.
“Successful conservation efforts must be driven by and rooted within those communities. Local knowledge and a sense of ownership are vital to safeguarding our precious ecosystems and species and mitigating the impact of climate change,” he said.
Minister O’Sullivan, who visited Killarney House and Gardens at the weekend added: “This scheme is an example of how we will solve the biodiversity crisis in Ireland by fostering strong partnerships, empowering local initiatives, and putting communities at the
heart of nature conservation”
A total of 45 projects nationwide will benefit from additional funding allocated under this year’s scheme and the full list of beneficiaries in Kerry is:
- Kilcummin Parish: Kilcummin Walks Project – €12,800.
- Lauragh Community Council: Community Action for Rhododendron Management– €15,923.
- Sneem Tidy Towns: Rhododendron Control Project – €5,268.
- Coiste Pobail Cathair Donall: Drone Survey – €835.20.
- North Kerry Environmental Forum: Cliffs of Ballybunion Conservation and Education Programme Project – €5,000.
- Macgillycuddy Reeks Mountain Access: Strickeen Mountain Habitat Restoration – €40,000.
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