Ireland and Irish Internal Waters

Date and time; Habitat characterisation; Habitat extent

A Special Area of Conservation (SAC) is defined in the European Union's Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC), also known as the Directive on the Conservation of Natural Habitats and of Wild Fauna and Flora. They are designated to protect the 220 habitats and approximately 1000 species listed in annex I and II of the directive which are considered to be of European interest following criteria given in the directive. They must be chosen from the Sites of Community Importance by the State Members and designated SAC by an act assuring the conservation measures of the natural habitat. Presently there have been 506 areas designated as an SAC including marine and terrestrial. Geographic coverage of this data includes Ireland and the inshore area around the coastline. Latest data updates for SAC November 2017. SAC designation made via habitat mapping and analysis. SAC protected sites data compiled by the National Parks and Wildlife Service. Data completed as per release November 2017.

National Parks and Wildlife Service
National Parks and Wildlife Service
7 Ely Place
Dublin 2
D02 TW98
Ireland