€69,868 for Cork for community projects under the Peatlands and Natura Community Engagement Scheme 

Local communities, organisations and other stakeholders will help contribute to the conservation and restoration of peatlands in Cork, said Deputy O’Shea

Fine Gael Cork North West TD John Paul O’Shea has announced €69,868 under the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) Peatlands and Natura Community Engagement Scheme 2025.

This year the scheme will support forty-five community groups with their conservation work in seventeen counties around the country.

Deputy O’Shea said: “Local knowledge, and a sense of ownership are vital to safeguarding our precious ecosystems and species and mitigating the impact of climate change.

“I am delighted to announce €69,868 in funding for 4 projects in Cork.

“Community and voluntary groups play a vital role in conserving nature and heritage around the country.

“Funding provided through the scheme will support these groups to engage their own communities in their conservation efforts and protect their natural heritage for future generations.”

The Peatlands and Natura Community Engagement Scheme supports local initiatives for the conservation and revitalisation of Natura 2000 Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) and Special Protection Areas (SPA) and all peatland areas.

“This funding is aimed at community-led and volunteer groups and promotes awareness of, and engagement with our natural heritage and environment”, concluded Deputy John Paul O’Shea

Projects funded through the scheme this year will support the following activities:

• Conducting surveys to inform management plans for Natura 2000 and peatland sites.

• Public outreach, such as the production of information booklets, brochures and training manuals, awareness and education events, education programmes and hosting of seminars with expert speakers

• Invasive species training and management

• Nature and Heritage events nationwide.