Local Authority Biodiversity Officer Programme

City and County Biodiversity Officers are employed by Local Authorities in collaboration with the Heritage Council and supported by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. The Heritage Council provides financial subsidisation of employment costs to Local Authorities, for employment of Biodiversity Officers.  Additionally The Heritage Council provides grant assistance annually to Local Authorities for projects that support the implementation of their County Biodiversity Plans through a designated grant scheme. 

The Role of the Biodiversity Officer

Biodiversity officers work closely with heritage officers and other professionals within the local authority, as well as with the wider community in each city and county. Their role is diverse and will be defined by individual local authority preferences, but with a core focus on strategic planning and collaboration.

Their responsibilities include:

• Creation of Local Biodiversity Forum
• Writing Local Biodiversity Plan
• Research, surveys and data collection
• Providing advice on biodiversity for local authority staff
• Community engagement and raising awareness
• Development of strategies, policies, and projects relating to wildlife, habitats and biodiversity
• Provision of biodiversity expertise to groups such as the Heritage Forum, Climate Action Team.

The breadth of these responsibilities highlight the pivotal role that biodiversity officers play in promoting awareness, knowledge and appreciation of local biodiversity through their work.

Heritage Council Guidelines for Local Biodiversity Action Plans

The Heritage Council has published Guidelines for Local Biodiversity Action Plans (LBAPs) as a resource for Local Authorities in developing and implementing their biodiversity strategies. These guidelines provide a robust framework for creating comprehensive, effective, and sustainable action plans that integrate biodiversity considerations across all local authority functions.

The Heritage Council Guidelines cover essential aspects such as stakeholder engagement, biodiversity auditing, setting objectives, and monitoring progress. By following these guidelines, Local Authorities can ensure that their action plans are thorough, well-informed, and aligned with best practice in biodiversity conservation.”

Training and Development

In addition to financial support, the Heritage Council provide technical, developmental, professional, and training support for biodiversity officers appointed to local authorities. This will be delivered through the Biodiversity Officer Training and Development Programme, organised in conjunction with the Local Authority Biodiversity Officer Network. The current Chair of the network is Ruth Hanniffy, Sligo Biodiversity Officer and the Vice-Chair is Lorraine Bull, Biodiversity Officer at Fingal County Council.

Training is provided in relation to County Biodiversity Plans, habitat and species survey and research, consultation and environmental legislation. 

Local Authority Biodiversity Officer Contact Details