Wicklow County Council is pleased to announce the launch of the pre-draft public consultation phase for the County Wicklow Biodiversity Action Plan 2025-2030, running from today until Monday 4th November. This plan aims to address biodiversity loss across the county and foster a more sustainable and resilient natural environment.
As the first local authority in Ireland to declare a biodiversity and climate-change emergency, Wicklow County Council is committed to protecting the rich biodiversity of the county. The Biodiversity Action Plan will provide a five-year framework that builds on national efforts to halt the decline of species and habitats.
The plan is underpinned by the objectives of Ireland’s 4th National Biodiversity Action Plan, which places emphasis on local action to address global biodiversity challenges, including the restoration of ecosystems, safeguarding key species, and promoting nature-based solutions to mitigate climate impacts.
The public are invited to assist in the preparation of the Biodiversity Action Plan and to provide feedback on the consultation process. These views will be used to inform vision, aims and actions of the plan. The deadline for submission of comments or observations is 4 pm on Monday, November 4th.
Details of the pre-draft paper can be found on wicklow.ie, through the Online Consultation Hub. Additionally, Wicklow County Council’s Biodiversity Officer will hold pre-draft public consultation drop-in clinics to provide guidance at the following locations:
- Ballywaltrim Library: Wednesday, 9th October, 5 pm – 7 pm
- Arklow Library: Tuesday, 15th October, 5 pm -7 pm
- Wicklow Library: Thursday, 17th October, 5 pm -7 pm
- Blessington Library: Tuesday, 22nd October, 5 pm – 7 pm
- Greystones Library: Thursday, 24th October, 5 pm – 7 pm
Submissions at this pre-draft stage can be made via the Online Consultation Hub, via email to climatepolicy@wicklowcoco.ie or via post to the Senior Executive Officer at Wicklow County Council, County Buildings, Station Road, Wicklow Town, A67 FW96.
Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council, Cllr. Paul O’Brien said, “Our natural environment in Wicklow—from the uplands to the coastline —provides essential services, including clean water, flood prevention, and carbon sequestration. Protecting biodiversity is about ensuring that these ecosystems remain healthy and resilient. This public consultation is a chance for everyone to have their say in creating a meaningful plan to protect our natural heritage.”
Emer O’Gorman, Chief Executive of Wicklow County Council, added, “The County Wicklow Biodiversity Action Plan will align with national objectives and tailor them to the specific needs and challenges we face here in Wicklow. We want this to be a community-driven plan, and we encourage residents and stakeholders to engage fully in the consultation process to ensure the plan is comprehensive and forward-looking.”
Submissions or observations should include your name and address and, where relevant, details of any organisation, community group or company etc. which you represent. Children, or groups or associations representing the interests of children, are particularly encouraged to make submissions or observations regarding the foregoing.