Mayo’s new Biodiversity Action Plan is nearing completion after months of consultation with communities, organisations and other stakeholders across the county.
The plan has been developed through a 16-member working group operating under the Mayo Heritage Forum, with Mayo County Council Biodiversity Officer Sheila Murphy outlining the progress at a recent council meeting.
A five-week public consultation began last April, generating 60 written submissions and 41 face-to-face consultations. Further input from stakeholders brought the overall number of responses to around 140.
Ms Murphy said the feedback highlighted a number of concerns, including the loss of natural habitats, declining species, invasive species and pesticide use.
She also said there was a strong call for greater public awareness and better access to information about biodiversity.
The consultation has identified opportunities to improve biodiversity education in schools, strengthen habitat management, improve enforcement and provide greater protection for local ecosystems.
Sheila Murphy said communities had made a valuable contribution by highlighting important natural areas and assets across Mayo.
The plan will include specific targets for each proposed action, with progress to be monitored by the Heritage Council and the National Parks and Wildlife Service, which are providing funding.
She said the work comes at an important time, with biodiversity facing what she described as a major crisis.
