What Wicklow’s new biodiversity plan means for homes, roads, tourism and local budgets
The Wicklow PeopleWicklow County Council has formally launched its Biodiversity Action Plan 2026–2031, marking the start of a coordinated programme of habitat restoration, species recovery and nature-based climate resilience across the county.
Wicklow’s journey in biodiversity planning has evolved from its first dedicated framework in 2010 to its current status as a national leader in declaring environmental emergencies and implementing restorative actions.
For households in flood‑prone areas, the plan’s nature‑based water management is the most immediate win. Under SpongeWorks and related wetland and river‑connectivity projects, the council will use ponds, wetlands and woodland planting to slow and store water, reducing peak flows during heavy rain and improving drought resilience in summer. In practical terms, that means lower flood risk for homes, fewer emergency call‑outs and reduced clean‑up costs after storms.
What it means for roads and public infrastructure
Road edges, bridges and coastal access routes are also in focus. Dune stabilisation at Brittas Bay protects coastal paths and amenities from erosion and windblown sand, while upland measures to curb deer overgrazing and suppress invasive plants aim to reduce soil loss and siltation that can undermine carriageways and culverts downstream. River connectivity works (e.g., at Ballinglen) support more predictable flows, helping safeguard road crossings and drainage during flash‑flood events.
What it means for tourism and local amenities
Several actions address high‑use visitor sites. At Bray Head, native hedgerows and invasive removal improve safety, sightlines and the visitor experience. At The Murrough, clearing invasives and replanting native woodland will create a continuous biodiversity hub that doubles as an attractive amenity for walkers and birdwatchers. Rising barn owl breeding numbers add a positive story for nature‑based tourism and outdoor recreation.
While there is upfront investment, the plan is designed to cut long‑term maintenance costs. Restored wetlands and dunes reduce repeat repair bills after storms; healthy woodlands and controlled invasives lower routine clearance costs; and shared targets reduce duplication across departments. Wicklow’s strong record in securing the Local Biodiversity Action Fund (e.g., ~€100,000 in 2023 from a national pool of €3m in 2026) helps leverage external funding for delivery and monitoring, easing pressure on day‑to‑day budgets.
Before a dedicated county plan existed, the garden county’s biodiversity was managed under broad national and EU laws.
The Wildlife Act 1976 (and its 2000 amendment) established the legal framework for protecting species and habitats.
The EU Habitats and Birds Directives necessitated the designation of Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and Special Protection Areas (SPAs), which now cover significant portions of the Wicklow Mountains and coastline.
This first national plan in 2002 then mandated that each local authority prepare its own biodiversity plan.
Early data gathering then began, including rare plant surveys in 2007 and the first National Survey of Native Woodlands (2003–2008), which identified critical sites including the Vale of Clara.
The County Wicklow Biodiversity Action Plan 2010–2015 was the first of its kind for the county. Developed as an action under the County Heritage Plan, it responded to the 1st National Biodiversity Plan.
Crucial field surveys identified over 300 wetland sites, providing a GIS-based map of the county’s marshes and bogs.
Although the formal five-year window ended, its actions continued to be integrated into broader heritage planning until a successor was drafted.
During this interim period, the council maintained long-term conservation efforts such as the Wicklow barn owl project and the swift project.
In 2019, Wicklow became the first local authority in Ireland to declare a climate and biodiversity emergency.
This led to the formation of a dedicated climate action team and the appointment of a biodiversity officer Dr Hannah O’Kelly.
Wicklow's funding via the Local Biodiversity Action Fund (LBAF), the primary government scheme for local authority nature projects, is among the highest per county due to its established biodiversity officer, a role that many other counties only filled in late 2023 or 2024.
For 2026, the national LBAF pool is €3 million. In previous cycles, Wicklow has secured significant portions of this, such as approximately €100,000 in 2023 for multi-strand projects.
In recent addresses regarding the action plan Dr O’Kelly emphasised that the county is in a critical state and must move beyond abstract concerns to immediate, coordinated action.
She has expressed concern that biodiversity could "go out of fashion" amid other societal challenges and insists it must remain "front and centre" for the council and the public.
The 2026–2031 plan aligns with Ireland’s 4th National Biodiversity Action Plan and emphasises moving beyond simple protection to active habitat recovery.
The new plan shifts from passive protection to active restoration, setting specific countywide and local targets to be met by 2030.
Specific local areas have been identified for targeted biodiversity actions:
Bray Head: Establishing native hedgerows (3,000+ trees planted recently) following the removal of invasive Leylandii.
The Murrough Wetlands: Clearing invasive species at the Clermont Campus and replanting with native woodland to create a biodiversity hub.
Brittas Bay: Continuing dune stabilisation and the removal of invasive sea buckthorn.
Leitrim River and Black Castle: Proposed local action plans for these sites to protect hotspots for species like the Kingfisher and Little Egret.
Uplands: Implementing cooperative strategies to reduce deer overgrazing and suppress invasive plants that prevent natural woodland regeneration.
Speaking on the launch, Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council Cllr Melanie Corrigan said the plan reflects the scale of work already underway across Wicklow.
“From habitat restoration and tree planting to working with farmers and community groups, there is a great deal happening on the ground. Wicklow’s natural heritage supports our communities, our tourism and our rural livelihoods.
“This action plan sets out how we will protect and restore that heritage in a practical and responsible way. There is a lot being done, and there is more still to do.”
Meanwhile council chief executive Emer O’Gorman recognised the local authority’s environmental responsibilities at local, national and European level.
“This plan provides a clear framework for delivery and accountability. We manage lands of exceptional ecological value, including coastal sites linked to EU designations, and we are committed to leading by example in how those lands are managed.”
“Through strengthened internal capacity, strong partnerships and sustained action, we will continue to build ecological resilience across the county.”
The updated plan is aligned with national policy and EU designations, bringing clearer reporting requirements. That formal structure matters for budgets and governance: it sets deliverables, helps unlock future funding and reduces the risk of costly non‑compliance. If performance lags, the Heritage Minister can issue binding directions — another reason the council is moving from passive protection to active restoration with specific targets to 2030.
Residents should expect to see invasive species removed and replaced with native planting, new hedgerows, pond creation on farms and council lands, and targeted actions at Bray Head, The Murrough, Brittas Bay, the Leitrim River and Black Castle, plus upland partnerships on deer and invasive control. The countywide citizen‑science rollout will invite the public to help track progress, giving communities a direct line of sight between the plan and day‑to‑day outcomes.
The updated biodiversity action plan now aligns with the council’s climate action targets, heritage objectives and outdoor recreation initiatives, and will guide biodiversity action across departments and in partnership with communities, agencies, NGOs, landowners and managers over the coming years.