Galway launches first of its kind Heritage and Biodiversity Plan

Managing invasive species and hedgerows

Galway County Council has launched a landmark strategy for preserving and enhancing the county’s rich built, natural, and cultural heritage over the next six years.

Galway County Heritage and Biodiversity Plan 2024–2030 is the only one of its kind in Ireland to fully integrate biodiversity and heritage in a combined action plan.

Among the key priorities are conducting a comprehensive biodiversity audit of Council-owned lands, updating Galway’s Invasive Alien Species Strategy and developing a countywide Tree and Hedgerow Management Plan.

The plan also commits to protecting sensitive habitats such as peatlands and marine ecosystems and delivering biodiversity education through training in collaboration with the Public Participation Network (PPN).

The built heritage aspects of the plan aim to preserve, protect, and enhance the county's built and archaeological heritage by promoting best practices, supporting community engagement, and ensuring compliance with relevant legislation.

The plan also seeks to raise awareness, provide education and training, and foster collaboration among stakeholders to ensure the sustainable management and conservation of these heritage assets.

On the cultural heritage front, the plan aims to empower communities to actively engage with and safeguard their local heritage. This involves recording and digitising cultural heritage data, supporting community-led arts and oral history projects, and strengthening investment in both staffing and funding to grow the sector sustainably.

“This plan reflects the passion and dedication of communities across Galway and outlines practical, adaptable actions to raise awareness and safeguard our heritage and biodiversity” stated Cllr Martina Kinane, Cathaoirleach of County Galway. “In the face of climate change and biodiversity loss, it serves as a roadmap for collective action. I invite everyone to get involved—together, we can create lasting, positive change."

Martina Moloney, Chair of The Heritage Council, highlighted how Galway was setting a national example of forward thinking by bringing together heritage and biodiversity efforts under one unified strategy.

"The launch of this plan marks a groundbreaking step forward in how we protect and celebrate our shared heritage and environment. This plan is exceptional in its holistic vision—recognising biodiversity not as a standalone issue but as an integral thread woven into Galway’s rich cultural, archaeological, and built heritage,” remarked Ms Moloney.

Rosina Joyce, Biodiversity Officer for Galway County Council said climate change and biodiversity loss are central to the newly launched plan.

“Galway County boasts a rich mosaic of natural, built, and cultural heritage. Our heritage is a cornerstone of community pride and identity. This plan not only celebrates these unique assets but also addresses pressing challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and the evolving needs of our society,” remarked Ms Joyce.

The plan, which received over 450 public submissions, was formally approved by elected members in December 2024.

Liam Hanrahan, Director of Economic Development at Galway County Council, said, "This plan demonstrates the powerful impact that collaboration between the public, community groups, and key stakeholders can have on shaping Galway’s future. By drawing on local knowledge and expertise, we’ve developed a strategy that not only protects our heritage and biodiversity but also supports sustainable economic growth through tourism, education, and community-led initiatives.”