Left to Right: Director of Services Patrick Greene, Environmental Awareness Officer Fergal Cushen, Assistant Staff Officer Diarmaid Ó Nualláin, Waste Enforcement Officer David Walsh, Deputy Mayor of the City of Galway, Cllr. Niall Mc Nelis
Following the success of its inaugural year, Galway City Council is thrilled to announce the return of the Spaces for Biodiversity Competition for 2025. The competition focuses on the promotion of biodiversity friendly private gardens across the city, as well as public areas. This year, the competition has expanded to include a dedicated School’s Category, allowing schools throughout the city to showcase their creative and innovative efforts to promote biodiversity and create pollinator-friendly spaces.
The competition winners will be invited to an award night in October where there will be a prize for 1st place, vouchers, framed certificates and other goodies.
The Spaces for Biodiversity Competition seeks to highlight the importance of small-scale spaces that contribute to environmental sustainability and support the vital work of pollinators. The competition encourages the public to look at areas in and around the city, from residential gardens to public spaces, where biodiversity can thrive. This year, participants are encouraged to take creative and innovative approaches to even small spaces, with a focus on food, shelter, and safety for pollinating insects such as bees and butterflies.
Fergal Cushen, Environmental Awareness Officer for Galway City Council, commented on the importance of the competition:
"Collectively, private gardens comprise a huge area in cities and present fantastic opportunities for 'niches for nature'—vital habitat connectivity for wildlife throughout the city. We're not looking for pristine spaces, but those that are thoughtfully maintained with consideration for biodiversity, no matter how small the area may be."
The inaugural competition last year showcased a wonderful variety of creative, wildlife-friendly spaces, with participants demonstrating immense pride in their efforts to enhance biodiversity in Galway. The competition aims to raise awareness of the need to protect and enhance biodiversity in urban spaces, in alignment with both national and local Biodiversity Action Plans.
The Spaces for Biodiversity Competition is open to all areas of Galway City, including residential properties, schools, community groups, and businesses. It provides an excellent opportunity to celebrate the creativity of Galway’s residents while also encouraging sustainable environmental practices.
Chair of Galway City Tidy Towns and Deputy Mayor, Cllr. Neil McNelis shared his enthusiasm about the return of the competition: “The standard of entries last year was no surprise to me; the people of Galway have always shown enormous pride in keeping the city clean and engaging with their surrounding environment. The competition gives the City Council a chance to acknowledge this great work and encourage even more people to get involved."
This competition is more than just a contest—it's an effort to make Galway a greener, more sustainable city, where even the smallest spaces are considered vital for local wildlife.
For more information on how to enter, visit https://www.GalwayCity.ie/Services/Environment/Environment-Services/Spaces-For-Biodiversity-Competition
For helpful tips on gardening for biodiversity and creating pollinator-friendly spaces, visit Pollinators.ie.
For more information, please contact: Environment@GalwayCity.ie
Competition Categories 2025:
- Residential Areas: The category is divided into 3: 0-50 houses, 50-200 houses and more than 200 houses.
- Private residential spaces: Front Garden and Window boxes/floral displays
- Public and Commercial spaces
- Community projects
- Schools