Wicklow County Council launched its Biodiversity Action Plan 2026–2031 at an event in Ballybeg House on Monday 23rd February, marking the start of a coordinated programme of habitat restoration, species recovery and nature-based climate resilience across the county.

The Action Plan sets out how the Council will work to halt biodiversity loss by 2030, in line with national and EU policy, through practical, collaborative and evidence-based measures. It identifies actions the Council can lead, support or influence, including habitat restoration on public lands, partnership projects with farmers and landowners, river restoration and barrier removal, invasive species control, and expanded community engagement and citizen science.

The launch event highlighted positive actions already underway across Wicklow. These include tree planting and native woodland regeneration, wildlife pond creation on farms and Council lands, barn owl monitoring confirming the highest breeding numbers recorded in decades, river connectivity works at Ballinglen, nature-based solutions under the SpongeWorks initiative to enhance flood and drought resilience, and the rollout of a countywide citizen science programme.

The Plan supports continued implementation of Biodiversity and Habitat Management Plans on Council-owned lands, particularly along Wicklow’s highly valuable coastal sites, all of which are adjacent to or overlap with EU-designated areas. Wicklow County Council has committed to leading by example by embedding best practice for biodiversity across its operations, land management and capital works programmes.

Speaking on the launch, Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council Cllr. Melanie Corrigan said, “This Plan reflects the scale of work already underway across Wicklow. From habitat restoration and tree planting to working with farmers and community groups, there is a great deal happening on the ground. Wicklow’s natural heritage supports our communities, our tourism and our rural livelihoods. This Biodiversity Action Plan sets out how we will protect and restore that heritage in a practical and responsible way. There is a lot being done, and there is more still to do.”

Commenting on the plan Chief Executive of Wicklow County Council, Emer O’Gorman said, “Wicklow County Council recognises its environmental responsibilities at local, national and European level. This Plan provides a clear framework for delivery and accountability. We manage lands of exceptional ecological value, including coastal sites linked to EU designations, and we are committed to leading by example in how those lands are managed. Through strengthened internal capacity, strong partnerships and sustained action, we will continue to build ecological resilience across the county.”

The Biodiversity Action Plan aligns with the Council’s Climate Action Plan, Heritage Plan and Outdoor Recreation Plan and will guide biodiversity action across departments and in partnership with communities, agencies, NGOs, landowners and managers over the coming years.

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Image One: Wicklow County Council's Biodiversity Working Group with Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council Cllr. Melanie Corrigan and Cathaoirleach of Bray Municipal District and Climate, Environment, Biodiversity, Recreation and Amenity SPC Cllr. Erika Doyle at the launch of the Biodiversity Action Plan. Photo by Mick Kelly.

Image Two: L to R Mark Costello (Climate Action Coordinator), Cllr. Pat Mahon, Cllr. Peir Leonard, Cllr. Orla Finn, Cathaoirleach of Baltinglass Municipal District Cllr. Avril Cronin, Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council Cllr. Melanie Corrigan, Dr. Hannah O’Kelly (Biodiversity Officer), Cathaoirleach of Bray Municipal District and Climate, Environment, Biodiversity, Recreation and Amenity SPC Cllr. Erika Doyle, Cllr. Patsy Glennon and James Callery (Climate Action Officer) at the launch of the Biodiversity Action Plan. Photo by Mick Kelly.

Image Three: Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council Cllr. Melanie Corrigan gives the welcome address at the launch of the Biodiversity Action Plan. Photo by Mick Kelly.

Image Four: Wicklow County Council staff with elected members, the Biodiversity Working Group and the Climate, Environment, Biodiversity, Recreation and Amenity Strategic Policy Committee at the launch of the Biodiversity Action Plan. Photo by Mick Kelly.

Image Five: Faith Wilson talking about river restoration during a Ballinglen Site Visit. Photo by Mick Kelly.