Tipperary County Council introduce new biodiversity officer

Tipperary County Council have appointed a new biodiversity officer. Anne Marie Fleming was introduced at the February sitting of the full Tipperary County Council.

Ms Fleming told councillors she has plenty of ideas to meet the county’s biodiversity requirements.

“I am looking forward to working with you all and visiting your communities,” said Ms Hennessy. Tipperary County Council Chief Executive Joe MacGrath congratulated Ms Fleming on her appointment.

He also asked councillors to be patient while she settles in.

Cllr Joe Hannigan asked if there was advice available for Tidy Towns groups.

He said they are keen to get involved in biodiversity work but may need help getting started.

He requested a video call be set up to provide information to groups.

Ms Fleming said that could be arranged. She said some Tidy Towns groups had already been in touch, and she would be visiting them shortly.

Ms Fleming said she had earmarked funding for education, including workshops and a booklet on grants available to groups.

Climate Action

The February meeting also saw councillors ‘recommit’ to the local authority’s Climate Action Plan.

Climate Change Coordinator Claire Lee gave a presentation on the progress of the plan following ‘extensive’ public consultation.

She said the public had been very active in the development of the plan. “There has been a great engagement and involvement in the process of the plan,” said Ms Lee.

Chair of the Environment and Climate Action Strategic Policy Committee (SPC) Cllr Sean Ryan, welcomed the plan and encouraged his colleagues to do the same.

He cited the plan’s commitment to the decarbonisation zone at Lisheen, saying it is an exciting opportunity.

“This is a very busy space.

“This is a plan we all have to embrace,” said Cllr Ryan.

Other councillors were as enthusiastic but expressed concerns about how climate change is discussed in the media.

Cllr Jon Carroll said Claire Lee and her staff deserved the “highest possible praise.”

He said her plan includes people instead of what he called “finger-pointing” from the media.

“Consultation, not confrontation, is what I would say,” said Cllr Carroll. Cathaoirleach Cllr Ger Dracy echoed Cllr Carroll’s point.

“We have to bring people with us as we progress our way through,” said Cllr Darcy.