Wicklow County Biodiversity Action Plan 2025-2030: Pre-Draft Consultation Now Open!

Wicklow County Council is excited to announce the launch of the pre-draft consultation phase for the County Wicklow Biodiversity Action Plan 2025-2030, running from September 23rd to November 4th, 2024. This is your chance to shape the future of Wicklow’s biodiversity by sharing your views on what the new plan should prioritise.

Biodiversity is the variety of life on Earth, from plants and animals to microorganisms and ecosystems. In Wicklow, we are privileged to have a rich diversity of species and habitats—from the Wicklow Mountains to our rivers, woodlands, and coastal zones. However, like many places, our natural environment is under threat, and we must act to protect and restore it for future generations.

In recognition of the urgent need for action, Wicklow County Council declared a biodiversity and climate emergency in 2019, the first local authority in Ireland to do so. Building on that commitment, the new Wicklow Biodiversity Action Plan will outline actions to protect and enhance Wicklow’s natural heritage, in line with Ireland’s 4th National Biodiversity Action Plan. It will also aim to support local initiatives and solutions, ensuring we contribute meaningfully to halting biodiversity loss at both county and national levels.

How Can You Get Involved?

The pre-draft consultation is the first opportunity for the public, local groups, and all other stakeholders to have their say. We want to hear from everyone in Wicklow about what matters most to you when it comes to protecting our biodiversity.

• What are the important features of Wicklow’s biodiversity?
• What challenges do you see in protecting it?
• What actions should the Council and local communities take to address these challenges?

These are just a few of the questions that will guide the plan. We encourage you to read our Discussion Paper, which provides background information on biodiversity issues in Wicklow and outlines some potential areas for action. The plan will evolve based on your feedback, so your contributions are crucial to its success.

How to Make a Submission

You can make a submission in the following ways:

• Fill out the submission form online at our consultation hub here.
• Complete the online survey here.
• Make a submission in writing to the Senior Executive Officer by email at climatepolicy@wicklowcoco.ie or by post to the Senior Executive Officer at Wicklow County Council, County Buildings, Station Road, Wicklow Town, A67 FW96.

All submissions must be received by 4pm on November 4th 2024.

Drop-In Clinic Timetable

For those who prefer to engage in person, we will be holding a series of drop-in clinics across the county. Just drop by at the below times and venues

• Ballywaltrim Library: Wednesday, 9th October, 5-7pm
• Arklow Library: Tuesday, 15th October, 5-7pm
• Wicklow Library: Thursday, 17th October, 5-7pm
• Blessington Library: Tuesday, 22nd October, 5-7pm
• Greystones Library: Thursday, 24th October, 5-7pm

There will also be an online event:

             Online Event: Tuesday, 22nd October, 1-2pm. Join here.

We encourage everyone to participate in this important stage of the plan’s development. Whether you’re a local resident, a farmer, a student, young person, or someone who simply enjoys Wicklow’s natural beauty, your voice matters in shaping the future of our county’s biodiversity.

This consultation is the first phase of public engagement, with a second round of consultation to follow in 2025, once a draft of the plan has been prepared.

Together, we can protect and enhance the natural heritage that makes County Wicklow so special.