The Culdaff Development Association has welcomed the announcement of new grant funding that will aid biodiversity efforts across Inishowen.
They were one of five Donegal groups who were granted funding for nature projects by Community Foundation Ireland and the National Parks and Wildlife Service, which totalled almost €40,000.
The grant will ensure that efforts to protect local biodiversity are guided by expert ecological knowledge, due to the involvement of the service.
John Doherty from the Culdaff Development Association welcomed their €6,210 allocation today, which will be spent in association with Spraoi agus Spórt.
“This funding allows us, the local community to play an active role in protecting our beach and sand dunes,” he said.
“In 2024, significant sand dune erosion on Culdaff beach saw vegetation loss and created issues with accessibility. With the help of Dr Kevin Lynch from the University of Galway, we will kick off our sand dunes project on Saturday 26th April and continue on Saturday 7th June with training for people in managing and protecting this vital coastal habitat. It’s a fantastic opportunity to understand the sand dune systems, learn practical skills and ensure the dunes remain protected for future generations.”
Carlene Lyttle of Spraoi agus Spórt added; “Our ‘Fréamhacha – Rooted in Nature’ series is about getting hands-on with nature restoration. From seed-saving expeditions to native hedgerow planting, we’ll be hosting monthly events designed to reconnect people with nature and make a lasting positive impact on our local environment. This grant helps us make these activities possible and accessible to the community.”
Nationally, more than 94 projects are receiving support, with over 250 communities implementing local action plans since the partnership between Community Foundation Ireland and the National Parks and Wildlife Service began in 2019.
The support comes from philanthropists and donors to the Foundation, matched with public funding.
Making the announcement, Minister of State for Nature, Heritage, and Biodiversity Christopher O’Sullivan TD said:
“If we are to successfully tackle our national biodiversity crisis, we must all work together. This partnership between the National Parks and Wildlife Service and Community Foundation Ireland is a great example of how we can empower and support community organisations to learn about their local biodiversity and use that knowledge along with their creativity to come up with a plan which is unique to their area. I’m really impressed with the range of projects involved and excited to see the outcomes of their work.”
Congratulating Culdaff Development Association and Spraoi agus Spórt, Denise Charlton, Chief Executive of Community Foundation Ireland, said:
“We are particularly proud that local efforts to protect habitats, plants, and wildlife are increasingly growing into a national movement. The fact that this current grant round is impacting in every county shows the groundswell of support for biodiversity action. The partnership of the Foundation, its philanthropists, and community partners, together with the National Parks and Wildlife Service, is effective and works. Our natural heritage is being protected for generations to come.”
Niall Ó Donnchú, Director General of the National Parks and Wildlife Service, added:
“NPWS is delighted to work with the Community Foundation of Ireland and to support the community groups participating in enhancing their local biodiversity. This is exactly the whole-of-society approach we advocated for in the 4th National Biodiversity Action Plan.”
