In total, 86 new parcels of land have been added to the list.

  • Galway has the largest number of SACS, with 15 new areas added
  • Clare has 11 new sites added
  • In Cork three new sites have been announced
  • In Donegal three sites have also been added
  • Kerry has seven new sites
  • Kilkenny has five added
  • Laois has three new areas
  • Leitrim recieved just one new site
  • Limerick gained three new areas
  • Mayo had a total of six new areas
  • Monaghan gained just one new area
  • Offaly has three new areas
  • Roscommon has had four new sites added
  • Sligo had just one added
  • Tipperary gained five new areas
  • Waterford has one new site
  • Westmeath recieved two sites
  • Wicklow has nine newly added areas

    • The full list of SACS can be found on the National Parks and Wildlife Service’s website here.

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    Examples of Irish SACs include bogs, turloughs, lakes, rivers, woodlands and sea inlets.

    Legally obliged

    Under the EU’s Habitat Directive, the Irish Government is legally obliged to protect a variety of sites, known as Natura 2000. EU countries must report on all protect sites every six years to the Union.

    The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is responsible for designating and conserving sites within Ireland, on behalf of the Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs.

    Speaking this week, the Department said affected landowners whose land will now become SACs, will receive notification when the final stage in the designation process has been completed. Included in the notice is a map of the designated site and all other relevant information.

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