Wicklow County Council has adopted the Wicklow Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) 2026–2031, setting out a clear framework to protect, restore and enhance biodiversity across the county over the next five years.
The Plan translates the ambitions of Ireland’s 4th National Biodiversity Action Plan into practical local action and supports delivery of national and EU biodiversity commitments at county level.
Aim and Approach
The overarching aim of the Plan is to halt biodiversity loss and support nature recovery in County Wicklow through coordinated, evidence-based and collaborative action.
The Plan focuses on three complementary strands:
- Leading by example: embedding biodiversity across Council lands, services, planning and procurement.
- Supporting rural and urban communities: enabling communities, landowners, schools and organisations to take action for nature.
- Working collaboratively across the landscape: partnering with agencies, NGOs, farmers and stakeholders to strengthen ecological networks and deliver restoration at scale.
The Plan has been developed with support from the Heritage Council’s Biodiversity Officer Programme, which provides national coordination and support for biodiversity delivery in local authorities.
Biodiversity Working Group
A multi-stakeholder Biodiversity Working Group (BWG) supported the development of the Plan. The BWG brought together representatives from statutory agencies, community networks, farming organisations, environmental NGOs and recreational interests.
The Group provided technical input, local knowledge and strategic guidance, helping to shape and refine actions so that they are practical, evidence-based and aligned with national policy.
Preparation and Environmental Screening
The Plan was informed by a pre-draft public engagement phase and a public consultation period on the Draft Plan. Submissions from the public, stakeholders and prescribed environmental authorities were reviewed and considered in the Chief Executive’s Report.
The Draft Plan was screened for Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) and Appropriate Assessment (AA). The screening process determined that SEA and AA were not required. The Chief Executive’s Report, along with the SEA and AA Screening Determinations, are available to view below.
Adoption and Implementation
Following review through the Strategic Policy Committee process, the Wicklow Biodiversity Action Plan 2026–2031 was formally adopted by the Elected Members of Wicklow County Council on 1 December 2025.
Implementation will be supported through cross-departmental coordination, partnership working and annual progress reporting to ensure transparency, accountability and continuous improvement over the lifetime of the Plan.