Kildare Wildlife Rescue leads the inaugural Kildare Biodiversity Conference in Newbridge

Kildare Wildlife Rescue (KWR), which recently achieved charity status, led the inaugural Biodiversity Conference held in the Keadeen Hotel in Newbridge today.

A number of groups were in attendance at the sold-out event, which included: Hedgerows Ireland, The Irish Peatland Conservation Council (IPCC), Bat Conservation Ireland, Kildare Bat Group (KBG), and Birdwatch Ireland.

Also in attendance were political representatives such as Green Party TD Pippa Hackett (who serves as Minister of State for Land Use and Biodiversity in the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine), Fine Gael councillor Tracey O'Dwyer (who is also leas Cathaoirleach of the Kildare-Newbridge Municipal District), and her party colleague, Cllr Brendan Wyse.

Speaking to the Leinster Leader, KWR manager Dan Donoher said that the main purpose of the conference was to encourage collaboration between the aforementioned groups.

He explained: "Everyone is trying to do their bit (when it comes to biodiversity), but a lot more can be achieved if people network."

Pearse Stokes, a KWR volunteer who works alongside Mr Donoher, also revealed that the charity has answered around 5,000 messages from people concerning injured or orphaned animals since January of this year alone.

Mr Donoher added that the KWR has treated around 3,750 animals through the use of its centre in Kildare town and foster carers since January.

Cllr O'Dwyer launched the conference, which was hosted by Mr Stokes, this morning, where she welcomed Minister Hackett to the event, and said: "In June of 2019, Kildare County Council announced a climate and bidiversity emergency in Kildare, following many years of campaigning."

Leas Cathaoirleach of the Kildare-Newbridge Municipal District, Fine Gael Cllr Tracey O'Dwyer, speaking at the event.

Using the town of Newbridge as an example, she added: "It is under immense pressure from human activities, but thankfully funds from Local Property Tax are helping Newbridge's biodiversity plan."

Cllr O'Dwyer also commended Mr Donoher for his 'amazing voluntary work' with KWR, and further said: "I think the fact that this event has been sold-out says a lot about the interest in biodiversity and consultation."

Other speakers at the conference included: Minister Hackett, Kildare Biodiversity Officer Méadbh Boylan, Wild Kildare, the Natural Parks and Wildlife Service, organic farmer Trevor Harris, KWR, Dúlra Éireann, the IPCC, Birdwatch Ireland, KBG and Kill Tidy Towns.

Green Party Minister Pippa Hackett speaking at the event. She also held a brief question-and-answer session following her speech.

The conference also included a panel discussion and actions near the end of the event.

Refreshments were provided to guests during the lunch break and two mini-breaks at the conference.

The first annual Kildare Biodiversity Conference was facilitated by KWR, Kildare County Council and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

KWR currently has 100 volunteers.

Attendees enjoying refreshments in the Garden Room of the Keaden Hotel shortly before the conference began this morning.