Dublin news is placing renewed attention on nature protection as Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council opens public consultation on its proposed Biodiversity Action Plan for 2027–2032. Residents, community groups and local organisations are being invited to share practical ideas about protecting habitats, wildlife and ecosystems across the county.
The consultation follows Ireland’s declaration of a biodiversity crisis in 2019 and comes as efforts to restore nature continue at national and European level. The EU Nature Restoration Law, adopted in 2024, sets restoration objectives that will require cooperation between public authorities, communities and environmental partners.
Dublin biodiversity plan seeks local views
Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown is a largely urban county, but it contains a wide range of important natural areas and wildlife habitats. The council says the new plan will build on existing conservation work while identifying further opportunities to improve biodiversity and encourage community participation.
Pollinator decline, particularly among bees, remains a visible concern. However, residents and voluntary groups are already supporting wildlife through habitat projects, planting initiatives and local environmental activities. Public feedback could help shape future priorities, including how biodiversity is protected in parks, coastal areas, green spaces and neighbourhoods.
The consultation material includes:
- A discussion document examining biodiversity in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown
- The previous Biodiversity Action Plan covering 2021–2025
- An online survey for written feedback and local observations
Public meetings scheduled across the county
The council has arranged several engagement opportunities during the consultation period:
- Friday 9 October: Dundrum Library, from 10am to 1pm
- Tuesday 13 October: Royal Marine Hotel in Dún Laoghaire, from 11am to 2pm
- Thursday 15 October: The Graduate at Killiney Shopping Centre, from 6pm to 8.30pm
- Monday 19 October: Online webinar, from 7.30pm to 8.30pm
The online session will feature the council’s Biodiversity Officer, who will outline achievements from the previous plan and explain the proposed 2027–2032 programme. Written submissions can also be placed in collection boxes at the in-person events.
How to submit feedback
Residents can access the discussion document and survey through the council’s consultation page. Submissions must be received by midnight on 2 November 2026. Feedback will be treated confidentially and used for planning and policy purposes, with any published material presented without identifying individuals or organisations.
For assistance, contact Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council on 01 205 4700 or email info@dlrcoco.ie.
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Why the consultation matters
The proposed plan gives people a direct opportunity to influence how nature is supported in an urban county. Local knowledge can identify wildlife corridors, threatened habitats and successful community projects that may not be visible through official data alone.
Residents who care about parks, pollinators, waterways, woodland, coastal habitats or neighbourhood green spaces can help ensure that future action reflects the county’s environmental needs. The clearest takeaway from this Dublin news update is simple: public participation now can help shape biodiversity policy for the next six years.
