Parks.it - Parks, Reserves, and Other Protected Areas in Ireland

Parks, Reserves, and Other Protected Areas in

Ireland

Regions:

North West
West
East Coast / Midlands
Dublin
Shannon
South West
South East

Info

Protected Areas in Ireland
The management and development of Irish National Parks and Nature Reserves, as well as the implementation of both domestic and international (e.g. EU Directives) legislation, lie within the province of the National Parks & Wildlife Service (NPWS), part of the Department of the Environment, Heritage & Local Government (DEHLG).

The management objectives of National Parks are:
- to protect the natural heritage allowing for, and if necessary, managing for the continuation and restoration of natural processes;
- to protect and where appropriate to restore and develop other heritage and aesthetic qualities;
- to provide for public access and to encourage public appreciation and enjoyment of the parks under conditions compatible with the above objectives;
- to develop a harmonious relationship between National Parks and the surrounding communities, taking into account the social and economic needs of local communities.

A Nature Reserve is an area of importance to wildlife, which is protected under Ministerial order. Most are owned by the State, but some are also owned by organisations or private landowners.

The NPWS is also responsible for the designation of conservation areas under European law. The three main types of designation are Natural Heritage Area (NHA), Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and Special Protection Area (SPA).

Sources: National Parks and Wildlife Service