Cllr John McDonagh, deputising for the Mayor of the City of Galway, officially launched the Galway City Biodiversity Action Plan 2025–2030 and Invasive Species Strategy 2025–2030, on Friday 7 November 2025, marking a major milestone in the city’s commitment to environmental stewardship and ecological resilience.
Galway City Council unveiled two landmark initiatives aimed at safeguarding the city’s natural heritage: the Galway City Biodiversity Action Plan 2025–2030 and Galway City Invasive Species Strategy 2025–2030. The launch event, held at Galway City Museum, brought together local stakeholders, environmental experts, community groups, and government representatives to celebrate a renewed commitment to ecological sustainability.
Chief Executive of Galway City Council, Leonard Cleary said about the plans: “Galway’s biodiversity is a treasure we must protect. These strategies reflect our dedication to preserving native habitats and species for future generations.”
Galway City Council Biodiversity Officer Paula Kearney shared the vision of the policy documents: “Galway City is committed to safeguarding and restoring its rich biodiversity through a coordinated and strategic approach. By fostering dynamic partnerships between Galway City Council, statutory bodies, voluntary organisations, and the wider community, we will implement innovative and effective measures to halt biodiversity loss. Together, we will create a thriving, resilient natural environment that benefits both people and wildlife for generations to come.”
Dr Martina Moloney, Chairperson of the Heritage Council shared that, “The Heritage Council is proud to support the Galway City Biodiversity Action Plan 2025–2030, a timely initiative that places biodiversity at the heart of urban life. The Plan reflects a growing recognition that cities must accommodate nature and actively nurture it. It sets out a clear and ambitious roadmap for protecting habitats, restoring ecological networks, and engaging citizens in the stewardship of their local environment.”
Galway City Council wishes to acknowledge the support of The Heritage Council in co-funding the preparation of the Galway City Biodiversity Action Plan 2025-2030, the National Parks and Wildlife Service under the Local Biodiversity Action Fund in co-funding the preparation of the Galway City Invasive Species Strategy 2025–2030. We also wish to acknowledge the Heritage Council through its part-funding of the Local Authority Biodiversity Officer post.
For further information see www.GalwayCity.ie/Biodiversity