“That the Chief Executive report on the progress in implementing the Fingal Biodiversity Action Plan 2022-2030.”

Proposed: Cllr Mulville

Seconded: Cllr Healy

“That the Chief Executive report on the progress in implementing the Fingal Biodiversity Action Plan 2022-2030.”

Response:

The Fingal Biodiversity Forum was set up in June 2023. This Forum includes representatives from 11 NGO’s, State agencies and community groups, as well as Councillors from each ACM area and SPC’s and representatives from various Council Departments. At the first meeting 62 priority actions were identified by the forum members for implementation in the period 2023-2026. Project leads were identified and actions were allocated for each of the years. The resulting implementation plan gives a clear overview of what actions will be implemented each year and by whom.

28 actions are listed for 2023 of which 23 actions were implemented or ongoing. Wetland restoration works were completed at St Itas Demesne and Turvey Nature Park. Exeter University completed the Brent Geese Satellite tracking project which has wielded a wealth of information on how these birds spend the winter here. Invasive species control works were undertaken for Giant Hogweed, Himalayan Balsam, Japanese Knotweed, Cherry Laurel, Rhododendron and Mink. Conservation grazing with the Old Irish Goat, Pigs and cattle are ongoing in Howth to manage the wildfire breaks and enhance the conservation value of the lands. A river enhancement study on the Ward River identified various measures that will help to enhance the river habitat and improve fish migration. 35 schools have registered for the Nature Education program in primary and secondary schools and this program will be rolled out early next year. The Council continued its work with the 22 local tidy towns groups to implement the Tidy Towns plans and carry out works to enhance the biodiversity value of our open space. Fingal County Council also supported Birdwatch Ireland volunteers with their Little Tern project in Portrane and they had 13 fledglings this summer.

Hans Visser gave a detailed presentation and updated Members on actions in the Fingal Biodiversity Action Plan 2022 – 2030. A discussion followed and Members commended the great work being done by the Biodiversity Officer across Fingal.

Report: Noted