Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

We support every local authority in any way we can. The Deputy, as Chairman of the joint Oireachtas committee, has an important role in encouraging local authorities to get up and running in this space. We have a lot of work to do. There is no question about that. As I stated, we have a robust plan to arrest the decline in biodiversity and it needs to be led at local level. The biodiversity grant scheme is still supporting actions around the country. Approximately €1.35 million was made available in 2021 and 119 projects were supported across the country. However, it could be even better if we have people leading that on the ground. We want this to happen. We have provided the finance for it. It is good that the Deputy has already spoken to the chief executive of Wicklow County Council. I encourage all Deputies representing local authority areas where there is no biodiversity officer to engage with their local authority and ensure those posts are filled. I have no doubt they will be well over-subscribed as there is such an interest in this issue and as we have great expertise in this country.

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