County Cork Town’s Embark on Pollinator Plans

The plans were developed in late 2020 and will help guide how the Council manages publicly owned spaces within the towns in a way which is sympathetic to bees and other native pollinators that are an essential component of a healthy environment.

The populations of many of our pollinator species are declining in numbers, and it is estimated that one third of our native bee species are now threatened with extinction.    Like all animals, our pollinators need adequate supplies of food provided by a range of flowering plants throughout their life cycle.  They also need places to nest.  Pollinators can nest in long grass, in burrows in bare earth, or in crevices in old walls or wood, depending on the species. As landscapes become more intensively managed and tidied up, there is less food and fewer sheltering opportunities for many species. 

Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Mary Linehan Foley, welcomed the expansion of the plan saying,

“I am delighted to see six new towns come on board to develop pollinator friendly planting proposals and reduce the use of pesticides and herbicides. With the implementation of less intensive approaches to management of grass cutting in our parks, roadside verges and other green spaces, we hope to see numbers increase. With many of our pollinator species in decline, it is essential that these habitats are provided and protected. I look forward to seeing the projects develop over the coming months and congratulate all involved in bringing the plans to life.”

Chief Executive of Cork County Council, Tim Lucey added,

“The introduction of Pollinator Plans for six County Cork towns demonstrates our commitment to supporting and protecting biodiversity in the county. Through these plans, Cork County Council, with partners from Tidy Towns and other community groups, will manage public spaces in these towns to provide more food and better sheltering opportunities for our wild pollinator species.  We look forward to expanding the project even further, with plans to include additional county towns and villages in the near future and to provide training to our staff and support to interested community groups.”

The plans have been prepared in accordance with All-Ireland Pollinator Plan Guidelines and the project has been funded through the National Biodiversity Action Plan fund with co-funding provided by Cork County Council. 

For more information on pollinators, visit www.pollinators.ie