County Council appoints first-ever biodiversity officer

Galway County Council has announced that Rosina Joyce as its first-ever Biodiversity Officer, in an initiative aimed at preserving and enhancing the natural heritage of the county. 

As a committed environmentalist, Ms Joyce will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the role as a committed environmentalist.

She has worked in the area of environmental enforcement and biodiversity project management in Galway for over 15 years.

This experience has given her an excellent understanding of the challenges and opportunities in creating awareness, managing and protecting biodiversity in County Galway.

In her new role, Ms Joyce will collaborate closely with local communities, environmental organisations and government agencies to develop and implement strategies for biodiversity conservation. 

This new role is part of a programme in which all County and City Councils appoint Biodiversity Officers.

The programme is being delivered by the Heritage Council and the County and City Management Association (CCMA) with the support of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the National Parks and Wildlife Service.

Galway County Council’s Cathaoirleach, Cllr Michael ‘Moegie’ Maher expressed his delight on the recent appointment.

“We understand that protecting and enhancing our natural heritage has become a key issue and that we all need to work together to safeguard its future,” he said.

“We are very happy to see Rosina Joyce appointed in this new role and I look forward to seeing her connect and empower our local community groups in raising awareness and protecting our nature and wildlife.”

The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has granted funding of €104,555 to Galway County Council for 11 biodiversity projects under the 2023 Local Biodiversity Action Fund. 

The 11 project that have received funding range from raising awareness and knowledge initiatives, to data collection of biodiversity resources in the county.