Donegal’s first Biodiversity Action Plan to help nature thrive - Donegal Daily

Donegal County Council has launched the county’s first Biodiversity Action Plan, setting out practical ways to protect, restore and celebrate Donegal’s wildlife...

Donegal County Council has launched the county’s first Biodiversity Action Plan, setting out practical ways to protect, restore and celebrate Donegal’s wildlife and natural habitats.

The County Donegal Biodiversity Action Plan 2026–2030 was officially launched by Virginia Teehan, Chief Executive of The Heritage Council, at the Silver Tassie Hotel in Letterkenny on Friday 16th October 2026, during Climate Action Week.

Around 60 people attended the launch, including members of Tidy Towns groups, elected members, Council staff and people involved in nature projects across Donegal.

Opening the event, Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council Cllr Gary Doherty spoke about the importance of giving people opportunities to enjoy and learn about the natural world saying, “People are far more likely to value and protect nature when they have the chance to experience it, understand it and feel connected to it. Biodiversity is everyone’s responsibility, and I look forward to working with all of you to put this Plan into action.”

The Plan focuses on five main areas: learning more about Donegal’s wildlife and habitats; making biodiversity part of Council policies and staff training; supporting nature on Council-managed land, parks and buildings; helping more people connect with nature; and working with communities and other organisations to make a difference.

The Plan was formally adopted by the elected members of Donegal County Council on 25th May 2026.

The County Donegal Biodiversity Working Group with John McLaughlin, Chief Executive of Donegal County Council, at the launch of the County Donegal Biodiversity Action Plan 2026 – 2030. Photographer Joe Boland, North West News Pix

Launching the Plan, Virginia Teehan, Chief Executive of The Heritage Council, highlighted how it connects national goals with local knowledge and action.

She said “This landmark plan brings national biodiversity policy to life at the local level, rooted in the unique landscapes, rich natural heritage and community spirit of County Donegal.”

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The Plan was prepared by Donegal County Council’s Biodiversity Office in partnership with The Heritage Council. It was shaped by the County Donegal Biodiversity Working Group and the County Donegal Heritage Forum, as well as feedback received through two rounds of public consultation.

Guests at the launch also heard from Louise Lang of Hare’s Corner, Anita Donaghy of BirdWatch Ireland and broadcaster Joe Mahon. A short film made by Charlie Joe Doherty, showing the Council’s work to support pollinators, was also screened.

The Plan is not only about the work of the Council. It explains how communities, local organisations and individuals can get involved and take simple, practical steps to help nature.

A short, illustrated Plan at a Glance, funded by The Heritage Council, has also been produced. It presents the Plan’s main messages and suggests straightforward actions that everyone can take to support biodiversity.