Sligo County Council is developing a new Biodiversity Action Plan to guide the protection and conservation of the county’s biodiversity.
Submissions invited on Draft County Sligo Biodiversity Action Plan 2025-2030
We are inviting everyone with an interest in Sligo’s natural heritage and wildlife to share their views. The draft plan outlines an ambitious five-year framework to protect, restore, and enhance the county’s rich and diverse natural environment.
The draft plan highlights the variety of species and habitats found across County Sligo – from sand dunes to salt marshes to Curlew and Common dolphin. However, this rich natural heritage is under increasing pressure from threats such as habitat loss, invasive species, pollution and environmental degradation. To address these challenges, the plan proposes 52 targeted actions organised under 5 strategic themes. These are:
- Knowing – Strengthening the scientific and local understanding of biodiversity through research, monitoring, and community-led surveys.
- Acting – Implementing practical conservation measures to restore habitats, improve water quality, and enhance green infrastructure.
- Promoting – Fostering a deeper public appreciation of biodiversity through education, school programs, and outreach events.
- Practicing – Integrating biodiversity into everyday decision-making within the Council through policy development and staff training.
- Partnerships – Building strong collaborations with State agencies, NGOs, farmers, landowners, and local communities to deliver shared goals.
This draft Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) has been developed through extensive collaboration between Sligo County Council and the Sligo Biodiversity Working Group. Established in 2024, the Sligo Biodiversity Working Group brings together representatives from local government, State agencies, farming organisations, landowners, the education sector, and the community and voluntary sector. The plan also reflects input from public consultation as well as engagement with organisations working in biodiversity, conservation, and land management.
Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council and Chair of the Sligo Biodiversity Working Group Cllr. Dónal Gilroy said:
“The draft Biodiversity Action Plan is both comprehensive and forward-looking. I strongly encourage everyone to get involved and make a submission in support of biodiversity. County Sligo is home to exceptional natural heritage, and we are grateful to the dedicated communities and organisations that work tirelessly to protect it.”
The draft plan builds on the previous Biodiversity Action Plan and is closely aligned with the National Biodiversity Action Plan 2024-2030. The National Plan adopts a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach to conserving biodiversity.
Ruth Hanniffy, Sligo County Council’s Biodiversity Officer added:
“This plan recognises that protecting biodiversity goes beyond protecting rare species — it’s about safeguarding the natural systems that support our food, clean air and water, and quality of life. Community participation is essential. Whether you’re a farmer, student, business owner or nature enthusiast, we can all take action to protect biodiversity.”
You can submit your views online, by post, email or in person at one of our drop-in sessions:
- Online: https://consult.sligococo.ie/en
- Email: biodiversity@sligococo.ie
- Post: Ruth Hanniffy, Biodiversity Officer, Heritage Office, City Hall, Quay Street, Sligo, F91 PP44 (Mark clearly: “Submission – County Sligo Biodiversity Action Plan 2025–2030”)
- Drop-in sessions:
Ballymote Community Library – Thursday 24th July, 13:00–16:00 (short talk at 1:30pm)
Tubbercurry Community Library – Tuesday 29th July, 13:00–16:00 (short talk at 1:30pm)
Enniscrone Branch Library – Wednesday 30th July, 13:00–16:00 (short talk at 1:30pm)
Sligo Central Library – Thursday 31st July, 13:00–16:00 (short talk at 1:30pm)
Online talk – Wednesday 30th July, 7:30pm (To register for the online meeting email biodiversity@sligococo.ie)
Please note that all submissions received by Sligo County Council will be made available to the public. Please do not include personal, confidential, or other sensitive information in submissions.
The closing date for submissions is 4pm, Monday 24th August 2025.
