A project involving nine local authorities to tackle the invasive Quagga mussel in the river Shannon is one of 128 initiatives approved for over €1.4 million in funding through the Local Biodiversity Action Fund (LBAF).
A feasibility study of the potential for wetland restoration at Galway’s Ballyloughane beach has also been approved as part of the tranche of projects in support of the National Biodiversity Action Plan.
The Quagga mussel, a high-impact aquatic invasive alien species, was discovered in the Shannon in 2021, and the approved project aims to address several “key knowledge gaps”.
Scientists say the Quagga mussel will outcompete the Zebra mussel, and establish higher biomass even on soft sediments to a depth far beyond 34m.
This could affect the filtering rates of lake and river water and threaten the provision of water as it will affect abstraction, they say.
Since it was launched in 2018, a total of almost €4m has been granted to local authorities through the LBAF to carry out projects in support of the National Biodiversity Action Plan 2017-2021 (NBAP).
Minister of State for Heritage Malcolm Noonan said the 128 projects funded across all 31 local authorities will have a “real, tangible impact for nature and couldn’t come at a more crucial time”.
He said that all 31 local authorities applied for and will receive funding this year, with a total of 128 projects approved, covering a range of biodiversity-related activities, including invasive alien species control, dune restoration, wetland surveys and biodiversity awareness and training.
Other projects approved include a Mayo wetland county survey, and wetland restoration in Fingal County Council.
The public consultation for Ireland’s new 4th National Biodiversity Action Plan was initiated on September 1st and closes on November 9th.
Submissions are invited here
