Five-year biodiversity plan launched to tackle ‘escalating environmental challenges’ in Meath
A five-year biodiversity plan with 55 actions has been launched by Meath County Council to address “escalating environmental challenges” across the county while supporting sustainable development.
The Meath Biodiversity Action Plan 2025–2030 was unveiled at Buvinda House in Navan and sets out how the local authority, working with communities and partner organisations, intends to protect, conserve and promote biodiversity in the face of environmental pressures, including climate change.
Organised under five broad strategic objectives, the plan is designed to operate alongside the County Meath Climate Action Plan, providing what the council describes as “a roadmap” for action at local level.
Measures include rolling out biodiversity training for council staff, integrating nature-based solutions into infrastructure and development projects, strengthening commitments to the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan and reducing the use of chemical pesticides.
The plan was developed over a 20-month period by a Biodiversity Working Group established under the Meath Heritage Forum.
The group brought together community representatives, landowners and farmers, statutory agencies, council officials and biodiversity specialists, with two phases of public consultation allowing wider public participation.
Cllr Wayne Harding, Cathaoirleach of Meath County Council, thanked everyone who engaged in the preparation of the Biodiversity Action Plan, adding: “As we enter the implementation phase of this Plan, there is an important point to be made, and that is: this Plan will only succeed if we all play our part.”
“Communities and individuals across Meath are already doing incredible work – whether it is their efforts to re-introduce pockets of woodlands back to their communities, small orchards, hedgerows or management practices that encourage and allow nature to thrive - these local actions make a real difference.”
Kieran Kehoe, Chief Executive of Meath County Council, said the Meath County Development Plan already places “strong emphasis” on preserving natural heritage, by guiding sustainable development while safeguarding nature.
“The Biodiversity Action Plan builds on this foundation, aligning local priorities with national and international policy, and setting out a path for meaningful, measurable progress.”
Meanwhile Virginia Teehan, Chief Executive of The Heritage Council described the Action Plan as a “milestone initiative”, representing a vital step in bringing national biodiversity policy to life at the local level.
The development of the Meath Biodiversity Action Plan 2025-2030 was supported with funding from The Heritage Council and Meath County Council, with the Biodiversity Officer position jointly supported by both organisations.