Biodiversity Officers approved for Longford and Leitrim

Two counties in the Shannonside region are set to benefit from new environmental funding.

11 local authorities have been awarded funding for the appointment of biodiversity officers under the Heritage Council and the County and City Management Association.

Officers will develop Biodiversity Plans for their area and advise councils on biodiversity related issues and the authority's obligations in relation to protecting biodiversity

Leitrim and Longford have been approved for funding and the government hopes to fill the positions by September.

Westmeath has already been approved with recruitment now at an advanced stage.