I welcome the opportunity to speak during National Biodiversity Week and to recognise the incredible work being done by communities, volunteers, schools, farmers and local organisations across County Laois and throughout Ireland to protect our natural environment. Biodiversity is not an abstract idea. It is the hedgerow beside the road, the bees in your garden, the rivers and boglands that shape our countryside, and the birds and wildlife that are part of everyday life in rural Ireland. Protecting biodiversity is not just about nature; it is about healthier communities, cleaner water, stronger farming and the birds and leaving our country in a better state, which is very important for the next generation. National Biodiversity Week reminds us that real environmental progress happens on the ground and in local communities. In my own County Laois, we are seeing that leadership every day. One initiative that deserves huge credit is Portlaoise: A Town in a Garden. This initiative has completely changed how people look at public spaces and biodiversity in the town. Through pollinator-friendly planting, greener spaces and strong community involvement, it has shown that towns can grow and develop while supporting nature. This is about far more than appearance. It is about creating habitats, improving well-being and building pride in our communities. I want to acknowledge the excellent work done by Portlaoise Tidy Towns and all Tidy Towns committees throughout the whole of County Laois in driving this project. Across Laois, volunteers give up their time every week to improve their local areas. Tidy Towns groups today are doing far more than just picking up litter. They are planting native species, protecting habitats, creating pollinator corridors and, most of all, educating communities about sustainability. They are environmental leaders in every sense of the word. I recognise the work of the Laois Federation of Tidy Towns and the growing support for the “space for nature” approach. Sometimes the best thing we can do for nature is simply give it space. A wildflower patch, a native hedge, reduced mowing or restoring wetlands can make a real difference. We should also acknowledge the very important role farmers are playing. Farmers are the custodians of much of our landscape and many are leading by example when it comes to biodiversity protection. Across Laois, farmers are protecting hedgerows, restoring habitats and safeguarding waterways while continuing to produce high-quality food. They understand better than anyone that healthy land and healthy ecosystems go hand in hand. As legislators, we must back practical action. That means supporting local groups, supporting farmers and making biodiversity protection part of everyday life in every town, village and parish. People want cleaner rivers, greener communities and healthier environments for their families. People want to play their part. National Biodiversity Week is not just a celebration. It is a call to action. I thank every volunteer, community group, local authority worker, farmer and citizen who is helping to protect Ireland’s biodiversity. Their work matters, and County Laois can be proud of the example being set right across our communities. This is a good time for young people in our country. When I was a young person, there was very little about biodiversity. All we ever knew about was tadpoles and pinkeens. Today, there is huge education in all our towns and villages about the importance of keeping what we have and, for instance, the work that is being done now with our native bees, the corncrakes and the hen harriers. It was a pity that could not have been done maybe 15 years ago and there would be a lot more of those species.

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I wish to take this opportunity to thank everybody who is doing it.

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