The second phase of the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan calls for more restoration of land for pollinators and other biodiversity, and aims to improve awareness of how farmers can play their part.
Launched jointly by Minister for Heritage Darragh O’Brien, Minister of State for Biodiversity Senator Pippa Hackett, the new plan is a five year roadmap to help biodiversity across the country.
One-third of 98 wild Irish bee species are threatened with extinction. The plan for 2021-2025, published by the Government, sets out 186 actions with increased focus on protecting rare species that are at risk of disappearing; notably the Great Yellow Bumblebee.
Ms Hackett said the new plan would bring about landscape level change for wild pollinators and for wider biodiversity.
“Farmers and farmland do a vital job in managing land for our wild pollinators. Their role needs to be both recognised and celebrated, and I believe this new All-Ireland Pollinator Plan will work to do that, by encouraging farmer engagement and improving awareness and uptake of pollinator actions,” explained Ms Hackett.
In addition, the new project is encouraging more people to pledge their gardens for pollinators and create pitstops for hungry bees right across the landscape.
Also included in the plan is the creation of full-time project officer positions to support implementation of farmland actions, which will be funded by the Department of Agriculture.
Meanwhile, Charlie McConalogue, Minister for Agriculture, said plans to import 15 million bees to Ireland by a British businessman can go ahead under EU trade rules.
Patrick Murfet intends to circumvent post-Brexit trade rules by bringing 1,500 hives, each containing 10,000 bees, from Italy to the Republic of Ireland and from there to Newry. He will then sell the bees into both Ireland and Britain to honey producers and new beekeepers, and for use in pollination services.
LSL News.