Offaly one step closer to securing a Biodiversity Officer
Cllr Mark Hackett says Offaly is one step closer to having a dedicated Biodiversity Officer.
The Green Party Councillor brought a motion to the Council before the summer asking that a Biodiversity Officer post be filled as soon as possible.
He recently learned that The Heritage Council has included Offaly in an opportunity to apply for funding for this post. In response Cllr Hackett said “We have a biodiversity crisis; we recognise the social, economic and environmental impacts of biodiversity loss. It is a no brainer that the Council assign a full-time post of responsibility for Biodiversity in our county. I am delighted that this position is to receive central Government funding.”
“Today Offaly County Council’s Heritage Officer, Amanda Pedlow, presented the Offaly Heritage Plan 2023 – 2027 at the Council’s meeting. The work underway, and in the pipeline, in the area of heritage in our county is outstanding. Our heritage is not just buildings and monuments, it includes our living heritage, our native species of flora and fauna. This is declining fast despite the best efforts of this marvellous and committed team. It is time to recruit a Biodiversity Officer because at the moment too few people are spread too thin. I call on the County Council to grab this funding opportunity with both hands and not to look back.”
Cllr Hackett also welcomed news of a pilot scheme for built heritage. Owners of Protected Structures have until Friday, September 30 to express interest in a 100% grant for a conservation-accredited architect to visit, conduct a survey, and compile tailored conservation advice for the building. "While as a pilot this scheme will have a limited reach, I certainly hope that those owners of eligible properties in North Offaly will avail of the opportunity to apply to gain valuable information on what their building needs for future protection.”
Minister Pippa Hackett also welcomed the news saying “I am delighted to hear that Offaly is included in this traunch of funding for the funding of a Biodiversity Officer post. I am disappointed that Laois will have to wait longer and I will continue to raise the importance of this at Departmental and Council level.”