Discover how to develop community biodiversity projects in the Celtic Interconnector Community Benefit Fund Area!
Nature is facing a number of serious challenges. Throughout our landscape, we need to conserve, protect and reinvigorate biodiversity.
SECAD Partnership and EirGrid, the operator and developer of Ireland’s electricity grid, were delighted to be joined by a number of community contributors, to jointly deliver an informative and engaging webinar designed to give practical guidance on what is involved in developing and implementing community-led biodiversity actions appropriate to the Celtic Interconnector area.
The webinar recording includes:
- An introduction from Michelle Walsh, Community Liaison Officer – Celtic Interconnector, EirGrid
- SECAD’s WildWork ecologist, William O’Halloran introducing what is involved in developing community biodiversity projects to support the local environment
- Community groups sharing their experience of developing successful biodiversity projects including representatives from Harper’s Island Wetlands, Cobh Tidy Towns and Cabragh Wetlands.
- Advice on what constitutes a biodiversity action and the key ingredients for a successful biodiversity project application to the Celtic Interconnector Community Benefit Fund
- Q&A session with our ecologists and community panellists facilitated by Karen Loxton, SECAD Partnership
- Closing remarks from Avril Wilson, Senior Engagement Specialist, EirGrid
EirGrid Celtic Interconnector Community Benefit Fund
The Celtic Interconnector Community Benefit Fund has been established by EirGrid to recognise the important role of local communities who are hosting grid infrastructure in the Celtic Interconnector area.
The fund focuses on three core streams: Community, Sustainability and Biodiversity
The fund has a total value of €2.4 million euro which is released in three phases:
(1) when construction begins
(2) mid-way through the project; and
(3) when the project is energised
The first phase closed for applications in September 2023, with successful applicants notified in December 2023.
The second phase of funding, phase 2 is anticipated to launch at the end of 2024 early 2025, with the final phase of funding, to be released at energisation, anticipated in late 2026.
SECAD Partnership was appointed as Independent Fund Administrator for the fund in 2022, and we have been working closely with EirGrid, the Celtic Interconnector Community Forum, local communities and stakeholders to ensure the fund increases public and environmental wellbeing in the community and leaves a positive legacy in the communities hosting the infrastructure. We will continue our collaboration until the final fund closure.
More information on the fund can be found here: Celtic Interconnector Community Benefit Fund
Wild Work
Wild Work is a SECAD-led initiative with biodiversity at its heart. Committed to helping nature and connecting business, biodiversity and local communities, Wild Work supports the work of local and national organisations involved in the conservation and protection of our natural environment. With practical expertise, people can be helped to create and care for meadows, woodlands, beaches, rivers and other natural habitats, both in urban and rural settings.
Through Wild Work, the aim is to understand the bigger picture, so we can help people do the right thing.
To bring wildness back into people’s lives Wild Work supports:
- Local community groups and individuals
- Businesses big and small
- Schools and colleges
- Farmers
- Local authorities and other state bodies
- Conservation organisations and charities
More information on Wild Work can be found at: Wild Work
