Laois community invited to have their say on new biodiversity plan

Laois County Council has published its draft Biodiversity Action Plan

Published 17th Jul 2026, 17:25 BST Updated 17th Jul 2026, 18:55 BST File photo. Laois County Council has published its draft Biodiversity Action Plan Sign up to our Laois Live newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know you can manage your profile, and explore all of the available newsletters from Laois Live within your account.

Local communities in Laois have been invited to have their say on the new five-year Biodiversity Action Plan for the county.

A new Biodiversity Action Plan for Laois has been developed by Laois County Council in collaboration with the Heritage Council. The plan sets out the Council’s commitment to protecting and enhancing biodiversity across the county between 2026 and 2031.

The draft plan sets out a roadmap for protecting, restoring, and enhancing biodiversity across County Laois over the coming years. Biodiversity encompasses all living things - from plants, animals and pollinators to habitats, ecosystems, and the natural processes that sustain them.

Laois County Council has invited members of the public, community groups, landowners, businesses, schools and environmental organisations to review and comment on the Draft Laois Biodiversity Action Plan 2026-2031.

The public consultation period provides an important opportunity for members of the public to contribute their views and help shape the final plan. Feedback received during the consultation will inform the development of a comprehensive strategy towards maintaining, restoring and enhancing biodiversity across Laois.

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The consultation is now open and will remain open until Friday, August 21 at 4pm.

Laois County Council is encouraging everyone with an interest in the county's environment and natural landscapes to review the draft process and participate in the consultation process before the closing date.

Public consultations will be held to give people a chance to learn more about the plan. The first was held in Portlaoise Library on Friday, July 17. Two more are planned over the weekend, with one in Portarlington Library from 10am to 12pm on Saturday, July 18 as well as another this Saturday in Castletown Community Centre from 2pm to 4pm.

The Draft Laois Biodiversity Action Plan can be viewed online, in Áras an Chontae and in all libraries in Laois. Submissions can be made through the Council's consultation portal here .

Emphasising the importance of this consultation, Lisa Doyle, Biodiversity Officer at Laois County Council, said: "Community involvement is key to shaping the local biodiversity strategy and ensuring the plan reflects the priorities and aspirations of communities across the county.

“We would like as many people as possible to take part in the consultation process to ensure all views in relation to biodiversity planning are taken into consideration."