The National Biodiversity Data Centre has published its 24th edition of Biodiversity Ireland which is our bi-annual newsletter. It is a way of showcasing aspects of the project work of the National Biodiversity Data Centre, but also to highlight some of the recording and survey work undertaken by key partners.
Please read below for Liam Lysaght, the Centre’s CEO message on the newsletter.
Last December, the National Biodiversity Data Centre achieved a very significant milestone in its development when it was established as a Company Limited by Guarantee, with oversight provided by the Heritage Council. Minister of State Malcolm Noonan T.D. made the announcement on December 13th 2022, coinciding with his attendance at the 15th Conference of Parties of the Convention on Biological Diversity in Montreal. This decision by the Government places the National Biodiversity Data Centre on a secure footing with its own strong governance structures and an ability to better deliver on its ambitions for future growth.
The Board of Directors is Professor Yvonne Buckley, Colette Byrne, Ciara Carberry, Dr Micheál Lehane, Dr Colm Lordan, Ted Massey, Dr James Moran, Máire Ní Bhraonáin and Geraldine Tallon, and chaired by John McCarthy, former Secretary General of the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government. The Board provides a strong blend of experience in public sector governance, knowledge of biodiversity science and community-led activities. The establishment of the National Biodiversity Data Centre as a new company comes after 16 years of the Centre being managed by Compass Informatics on behalf of the Heritage Council under a Service Level Agreement. Over that time, the Centre has developed and matured into one of the leading biodiversity centres in Europe, underpinned by a state-of-the-art bioinformatics infrastructure developed by Compass Informatics.
The establishment of the National Biodiversity Data Centre as a State-sponsored company marks a very significant new chapter in the development of the Centre. It should provide opportunities for the Centre to become better equipped and better resourced to meet the data and information needs if Ireland is to address the current Climate and Biodiversity Emergency.
This exciting new chapter builds on the success achieved under the previous National Biodiversity Data Centre. The dedication of the staff employed at different stages over the years, the expertise and professionalism of Compass Informatics, the support of key public sector partners, in particular the Heritage Council and National Parks and Wildlife Service, and the very large network of experts and recorders who have given generously of their knowledge and time to help achieve so much, have all contributed to this success.
The Board and staff of the newly established National Biodiversity Data Centre CLG are currently working on putting in place the governance, organisational and strategic planning elements appropriate for a new CLG, while continuing to deliver on its existing programme of work. Over the coming months, we hope that you will all begin to see evidence of the benefits of the National Biodiversity Data Centre’s new structure through an expanded and more ambitious work programme around Ireland’s biodiversity. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has been so supportive of the work of the National Biodiversity Data Centre to date, and I hope very much that we can continue to rely on your support as we embark on our new adventure.
