The objective of this programme is to maintain, develop and provide public access to the central repository of biological records in Ireland currently known as the National Biodiversity Data Centre.
The repository holds over 4.3 million records covering 16,000 species from 147 data sets. Its core function is to collate and validate data (gathered from a wide range of sources) on Ireland’s biodiversity to document our wildlife resource and to track change over time. The scope of its work includes species and habitat information relating to the terrestrial, freshwater and marine environment.
In addition to its core function as a repository, the programme provides coordination of data collection and recording, and assists in the mainstreaming of biodiversity data and information into many areas of life in Ireland including planning, conservation management and research. There is a citizen science biodiversity network of more than 8000 recorders who submit records for inclusion in the repository.
A state-of-the-art bioinformatics infrastructure and a biodiversity data and mapping portal have been developed.
In addition, the to the core repository functions, the programme coordinates the implementation of the All Ireland Pollinator Plan 2015-20. This plan engages organisations across the Ireland of Ireland including government, NGOs, business, local authorities, and communities