**Nature's Allies: Abbeyleix Receives Support for Vital Biodiversity Work**

Abbeyleix Tidy Towns is thrilled to announce that we've secured a €6,000 grant from Community Foundation Ireland to advance our efforts in safeguarding local plants and wildlife. This funding injection will support the delivery of our biodiversity action plan, concentrating on tree planting, fostering pollinator-friendly habitats, and managing meadows.

This initiative is made possible through a collaborative partnership between the government and philanthropic organizations. Donations to Community Foundation Ireland, along with support from the National Parks and Wildlife Service, enable funding to reach communities nationwide. Over the past three years, more than 200 communities have benefited from this support, empowering them to take meaningful action.

Robbie Quinn, Chairman of Abbeyleix Tidy Towns, welcomed the announcement, stating, "We are delighted to hear this announcement for Community Foundation Ireland and would like to acknowledge their continuing and valuable support. This funding is crucial to help us continue our ongoing, innovative biodiversity program."

Minister of State for Nature, Heritage, and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan TD, commended the significance of these grants, highlighting their role in connecting community groups with scientific expertise. He emphasized the collaborative effort in developing Community Biodiversity Action Plans, which are then funded for implementation. All data collected is shared with the National Biodiversity Data Centre, contributing to citizen science in Ireland.

Denise Charlton, Chief Executive of Community Foundation Ireland, lauded the partnership as a groundbreaking response to the biodiversity crisis. She applauded the dedication and enthusiasm of local groups in protecting plants and wildlife, extending her best wishes for their continued success on behalf of private donors.

If you're keen on joining us or need support to work on your own green areas, then don't hesitate to reach out. Whether you're eager to volunteer or seeking assistance to establish pollinator-friendly areas, plant trees, or cultivate meadows on your garden, smallholding, or farm, we're here to help. For further details, visit our website at info@abbeyleixtidytowns.net.

**Note to Editors:**

**About Abbeyleix Tidy Towns**

Abbeyleix Tidy Towns is working hard to create a community that continues to be an attractive place to live, to work, and to visit. Our focus is now on placemaking and on reimagining our beautiful heritage town as a smart and sustainable community that is fit for the 21st Century. We are current holders of the National Tidy Towns award, which acknowledges the work of sustainably focused communities.

**About Community Foundation Ireland**

Community Foundation Ireland, its donors, and supporters are on a mission of Equality For All In Thriving Communities. As a philanthropic hub, it works with 5,000 voluntary, community, and charitable partners. Since 2000, the Foundation has provided grants of over €130 Million to support its equality mission.

**About the National Parks and Wildlife Service**

The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is the Executive Agency within the Department of Housing, Local Government, and Heritage in Ireland, with responsibility for nature conservation, wildlife protection, and the presentation and preservation of our National Parks and Nature Reserves.