Offaly local authority staff to take part in pilot nature skills course

Laois and Offaly Education and Training Board (LOETB) is to lead on a new pilot project aimed at increasing the knowledge of nature and biodiversity conservation among public sector staff and contractors.

The new biodiversity pilot training programme for contractors working in environmentally sensitive areas was launched today (Wednesday) by Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage Darragh O’Brien, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Innovation and Science Simon Harris, Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform Malcolm Noonan, Minister of State for the Office of Public Works (OPW) Patrick O’Donovan and SOLAS’ CEO Andrew Brownlee.

The course, a collaboration between the National Parks and Wildlife Service, the OPW, LOETB and SOLAS, is being piloted. The training is to be progressed to a certified qualification with the view to a national rollout. The aim is to provide an opportunity for staff and contractors for the OPW, local authorities and other public sector bodies to learn how to protect and conserve nature in their day to day work.

Course participants from the OPW and Laois and Offaly local authorities will be provided with training in ecology, environmental law, risk mitigation and best practice across a range of habitats during the one-day course.

It will include practical ecological training on a range of different habitats, such as rivers, woodlands, lakes, hedgerows, peatlands and grasslands, as well as buildings and bridges, and offer guidance on key elements of environmental and wildlife law, risk mitigation and best practice.

Welcoming the news, Minister of State Pippa Hackett said: “I am absolutely thrilled that Laois and Offaly ETB are to lead on this pilot Nature Skills Training programme aimed at public sector staff and contractors. The vast majority of people do not purposely destroy habitats, but unfortunately we can see unintended and harmful consequences to nature of day-to-day work in sensitive areas. Knowledge is power and I welcome this pilot as a significant step towards increasing an understanding of ecology and environmental law among staff and contractors for the OPW, Local Authorities and other public sector bodies.

Minister Noonan said: “If we want everyone to roll up their sleeves and help tackle the biodiversity crisis, we have to give them the knowledge and training to do so. This innovative programme is doing just that by supporting operatives working in some of the most sensitive, important places for nature and giving them the skills they need to protect it. It’s fantastic to see the pilot Nature Skills Training taking shape, and I’m grateful to colleagues across Government for their support and engagement.”