A Local Authority Biodiversity Action Plan (LABAP) is designed to provide a structured approach to biodiversity conservation at the local authority level. It outlines the objectives, strategies, and actions needed to protect and enhance biodiversity within respective local authority areas.
Biodiversity measures have previously been included in Offaly Heritage Plans. With the arrival of a Biodiversity officer to Offaly County Council in 2023, Offaly’s first standalone Biodiversity Action Plan has been created.
The Offaly Biodiversity Action Plan 2025 – 2030 is Offaly’s first LABAP and was formulated over a period of a year during 2024. The Plan was adopted by the elected members of Offaly County Council at the Council Meeting on Monday 20 January 2025. The process followed guidance provided by The Heritage Council to local authorities and was created in the context of the relevant European, national and local legal framework and policies.
A Biodiversity Working Group acting under the remit of the Offaly Heritage Forum developed the plan coordinated by the Offaly County Council Biodiversity Officer. The Biodiversity Working Group was made up of council staff, biodiversity professionals and community members with a range of skills and experience and were mandated to create a draft plan which would see two phases of public consultation before its eventual adoption.
A pre-draft phase of public consultation was carried out with the publication of a discussion paper to frame Offaly County Councils approach and to invite submissions. A second phase of consultation took place following the publication of the Draft Offaly Biodiversity Action Plan 2025 – 2030 with submissions once again sought from the public and stakeholders.
The draft actions contained within the draft plan were screened by suitably qualified environmental consultants, giving the plan the greenlight to proceed to the council for adoption.
The creation of the plan was co-funded by Offaly County Council and The Heritage Council.
Offaly County Council would like to acknowledge the input of the County Offaly Heritage Forum and Offaly Biodiversity Working Group and their guidance and input into the compilation of this plan. Offaly County Council would also like to acknowledge the submissions made by all individuals and organisations which have been integral to creating this plan.
Click here to view the Offaly Biodiversity Action Plan 2025-2030.