Cross-community attendance at launch of Dromahair Biodiversity Plan

Dr Niamh Burke of Coiscéim Consulting gave a short powerpoint presentation about the nature of biodiversity and the plan for the Dromahair area commissioned by Dromahair Development Association-Tidy Towns.

She noted the piecemeal work done over the years by DDA – achievements and work still to be done – and urged the entire community in the village and around its hinterland to get together in implementing the plan.

Tree planting, encouraging biodiverse spaces along rivers and lakes, and eradicating Japanese knotweed are among tasks to be done in the coming years.

Lilly with a map of Dromahair bio-diversity area.

Around the country the barn owl is a bird species needing protection, so special boxes attached to trees can be put up in villages and on farms.

Several IFA members attended the meeting and talked about Glas and other habitat protection schemes that farmers in the North West have been availing of.

Kevin Comiskey of Newtownmanor said he had been in Brussels lately to represent farmer interests and got a strong message on environmental protection from civil servants and politicians.

Farmers are protectors of the landscape and do a lot of heavy lifting in protecting the environment. They try to balance conservation with a desire to continue producing food.

IFA members Kevin Comiskey and Oliver Conlon, Chairman Dromahair IFA.

Local schools have done good work on environmental study and field trips to SACs, bird spotting and becoming familiar with river habitats. Competition is keen among schools for green flag awards.

Margaret Sharkey thanked all who attended. She noted that more information and pictures will be posted on local Facebook sites.

When a special website is constructed local individuals and organisations will be able to contribute observations and proposals.
Councillors Frank Dolan and Mary Bohan attended the meeting.