Notice of Draft Consultation on the County Sligo Biodiversity Action Plan 2025-2030

Draft Public Consultation on the

Preparation of County Sligo Biodiversity Action Plan 2025 – 2030

The Draft County Sligo Biodiversity Action Plan provides a framework for biodiversity action in the county for the period 2025 -2030, setting out how Sligo County Council, working alongside State Agencies, organisations and communities, will develop, deliver and promote biodiversity initiatives across the county. 

This Plan outlines an ambitious five-year framework to protect, restore, and enhance County Sligo’s rich and diverse natural environment. The County Sligo Biodiversity Action Plan is closely aligned with national, local and regional plans and policies, including with the National Biodiversity Action Plan, which strives for a whole-of-government, whole-of-society approach to biodiversity conservation. To address the challenges facing biodiversity and natural heritage the County Sligo Biodiversity Action Plan proposes 52 targeted actions organised under 5 strategic themes.

These are:

1. Knowing – Strengthening the scientific and local understanding of biodiversity through research, monitoring, and community-led surveys.
2. Acting – Implementing practical conservation measures to restore habitats, improve water quality, and enhance green infrastructure.
3. Promoting – Fostering a deeper public appreciation of biodiversity through education, school programs, and outreach events.
4. Practicing – Integrating biodiversity into everyday decision-making within the Council through policy development and staff training.
5. Partnerships – Building strong collaborations with State agencies, NGOs, farmers, landowners, and local communities to deliver shared goals.

This draft Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) has been developed through extensive collaboration between Sligo County Council and the Sligo Biodiversity Working Group.

Established in 2024, the Sligo Biodiversity Working Group brings together representatives from local government, State agencies, farming organisations, landowners,

the education sector, and the community and voluntary sector. The plan also reflects input from public consultation as well as engagement with organisations working in biodiversity, conservation, and land management.

View the Plan

View the Draft County Sligo Biodiversity Action Plan 2025 - 2030 until Monday 25th August 2025.

Making a Submission

You can submit your views online, by post, email or in person at one of our drop-in sessions:

• Online: By completing the Draft Biodiversity Action Plan 2025-2030 Public Consultation submission form at https://consult.sligococo.ie/en
• Email: [email protected] with the subject line "Submission – County Sligo Biodiversity Action Plan 2025–2030"
• Post: Ruth Hanniffy, Biodiversity Officer, Heritage Office, City Hall, Quay Street, Sligo, F91 PP44 (Mark clearly: “Submission – County Sligo Biodiversity Action Plan 2025–2030”)
• In person: Attend one of the following drop-in sessions: 
  • Ballymote Community Library – Thursday 24 July, 13:00–16:00 (short talk at 1:30pm)
  • Tubbercurry Community Library – Tuesday 29th July, 13:00–16:00 (short talk at 1:30pm)
  • Enniscrone Branch Library – Wednesday 30th July, 13:00–16:00 (short talk at 1:30pm)
  • Sligo Central Library – Thursday 31st July, 13:00–16:00 (short talk at 1:30pm)
  • Online talk – Wednesday 30th July, 7:30pm (To register for the online meeting please email [email protected])

* Please note that all completed surveys and written submissions will be made available for public viewing on this consultation portal (personal or sensitive information will be redacted).  

The closing date for submissions is 4pm, Monday 25th August 2025.

Kind regards,

Ruth

Ruth Hanniffy

Oifigeach Bithéagsúlachta | Biodiversity Officer

Comhairle Chontae Shligigh | Sligo County Council

City Hall | Quay Street | Sligo | F91 PP44

(t)  +353-71-9114480