Environment

Achieving the UN Sustainable Goals is very important to IRD Duhallow. Many of our projects are relevant to several of the SDGs such as (13.) Climate Action, (14.) Life Below Water, and (15.) Life On Land.

The environment has been one of the 4 pillars of IRD Duhallow ’ s strategic plan since our inception. Under the stewardship of Chair Michael Doyle, the working group has made great strides in developing a range of environmental projects across Duhallow. We are the only local development company to have secured two major EU Life programmes. We continue to promote projects that positively impact the environment we live in. One of the key objectives of the Environment Working Group is to raise awareness about environmental issues with an emphasis on safeguarding endangered species and habitats.

Duhallow Conservation Volunteer Network

The Duhallow Conservation Volunteer Network is the Duhallow Environment Working Group ’ s newest LEADER-funded project. This project aims to help set up a volunteer network to assist with many of IRD Duhallow ’ s environmental projects. Members will work on projects such as riparian tree planting, Barn Owl nest box construction, invasive species management, citizen science and native tree saving. Workshops and demonstrations will be held to further the skillset of member volunteers. The network has already commenced actions by engaging in macroinvertebrate identification workshops ahead of the 2022 survey season.

Duhallow Water Biodiversity Training Project

The Environment working group secured LEADER funding in 2020 for a community training programme focusing on water biodiversity. IRD Duhallow worked closely with LAWPRO (the Local Authority for Water Programmes) to develop this project and environmental NGO Cork Nature Network were selected to deliver the training. The programme was initiated in April 2021. Over 50 participants were trained, and nine subcatchment water action groups were formed. Some of these have since started their own projects and have applied for funding through LAWPRO. One group, the Friends of the Dripsey Rivers, received a commendation from Cork Environment Forum at their annual awards under the best community group award. Mike O’ Connor presented the project at LAWPRO’ s annual Communities Caring for Water Conference and received huge interest. This was a pilot project and there are now over 20 local development companies across the country rolling out similar projects in 2022.

Communities Planting for Biodiversity

Communities Planting for Biodiversity is a LEADER funded project that aims to improve and promote biodiversity in the Duhallow region. The project enables Duhallow communities to plant native hedgerows, woodland plants, fruit bushes, fruit trees, herbs, and bulbs. This helps our biodiversity by providing ecological corridors, nesting cover, food and shelter. Communities were invited to attend biodiversity training in October and November 2021 to give them an in-depth understanding of biodiversity conservation and teach them planting techniques. Training topics included: an intro to composting and wildflower meadows, planting native hedgerows, woodland management and edible community gardens.

Himalayan Balsam, Impatiens glandulifera, is an invasive species that has been targeted by previous IRD Duhallow projects. The Duhallow Conservation Volunteer network may tackle invasive species such as this on Duhallow rivers.

Duhallow Water Biodiversity Training participants conducting kicksamples. Ian McGrigor conducting a living willow fence workshop as part of the Communities Planting for Biodiversity LEADER project

River Feale Baseline Study

IRD Duhallow collaborated with West Limerick Resources and NEWKD to conduct a baseline survey of the River Feale which flows through the counties of Cork, Kerry and Limerick. A laypersons report is being drafted and a launch of the report will take place later in 2022. The results of this survey will inform future efforts to protect this beautiful river.

A Grey Heron, Ardea cinerea, photographed on the River Feale by Seán McInerney

Anaerobic Digestor Feasibility Study

IRD Duhallow in collaboration with the Gas Networks Ireland Innovation fund and LEADER funding completed a 10-month feasibility study into the suitability of Duhallow for the construction and thereafter running of an anaerobic digestor facility. The aim of the project overall was to investigate the integration of anaerobic digestion into a catchment scale approach with associate benefits such as effective nutrient management and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

The funding, totalling €50,000, was used to employ a renewable energy consultancy, XD Consultants, to conduct an in-depth study into the suitability of the region. The consultants examined potential locations for the AD plant, sourcing of feedstocks and a spatial analysis including road connectivity, demographics, land type and farmer or supplier attitudes towards an anaerobic digestor hub in the region. IRD Duhallow held a stakeholder meeting November 2021 with Gas Networks Ireland, local Agri co-ops, ICOS, EIP project farmers and AIB to discuss the next stage approach following the study.