Heritage Council

Biodiversity Fund Grants

Please note that the current round of funding for grant applications is now closed. The next round of applications for funding is due to open in Sept/Oct 2009. Check back closer to the date for confirmation of details.  For information about the scheme see below.

1. The Fund
The objective of the Biodiversity Fund is to support site conservation and management for the enhancement of biodiversity at the local level. The Minister has requested that Heritage Council to administer this fund to assist in the implementation of the National Biodiversity Plan and to further the Governments commitment to enhancing Irelands biological diversity.

2. The Criteria
Applications are invited for capital projects for the management of sites to protect, conserve and enhance their importance for biodiversity. This fund does not support research and survey work, access projects or signage.

3. Awards
The maximum grant award will not exceed €50,000 in any calendar year up to a maximum of 80% of the total project costs. All project proposals will be evaluated on a value for money basis. Detailed budget breakdown must be submitted with supporting quotes for relevant costs.

4. Priority
Priority will be given to projects that assist the management of sites which contain habitats of special conservation importance in Ireland or which support threatened or vulnerable species. These would include:

• Habitats and species listed in the EU Habitats and Birds Directives
• Those protected under national legislation
• Those listed in Irish Red Data Books or equivalent

Capital works on sites of local biodiversity interest will be considered provided the biodiversity value of the site is clearly demonstrated in the application. Priority will be afforded to site management works that are part of a conservation management plan, or are part of a larger scheme established to benefit Ireland’s biological diversity. Applications from offshore island community and NGO groups or for projects assisting the conservation of the biological diversity of islands will be particularly welcome.

5. Applicants
Grants may be obtained by individuals properly constituted non-profit organisations, local authorities, statutory institutions, academic institutions and private companies. Applications from community groups are particularly welcome.

6. Allowable Costs
For applications submitted by institutions the Biodiversity Fund will not cover institution overheads. However these overheads can be submitted as a contribution from the institution towards the overall cost of the project. Voluntary contribution by individuals will be recognised in the overall project costs but these contributions must be clearly costed and included in the application.

The Heritage Council will accept applications towards the cost of equipment associated with undertaking specific projects. However the purchase of computer hardware of software or vehicles, or professional equipment which experts in a particular area should already possess will not be grant aided.

7. Principles of Best Conservation Practice
Projects must be carried out in accordance with the principles of best conservation practice. It will be a condition of any grant that a competent person with knowledge, skill and expertise on the area in question supervises the project and be responsible for the quality of the completed work. The project application must include a clear statement on how the project will benefit biodiversity conservation and what will be the expected results

Any project submitted for funding under the Biodiversity Fund must provide written permission from the owner of the land on which the works are proposed.

For works on Special Areas of Conservation (SACs), Special Protection Areas (SPAs) or Natural Heritage Areas (NHAs), the applications must also include an official consent form, completed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service, www.npws.ie, Tel: 01 8882000.  If work involving flora and fauna requires a license under the Wildlife Act, 1976, or Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000 details of the license must be provided.

8. Acknowledgement of The Heritage Council
All projects awarded funding under the Biodiversity Fund must acknowledge the funding in all promotional and associated material. A special Biodiversity Fund plaque will be provided for display at the site afforded grant assistance.