Sites for Wildlife
A habitat is simply a place where something lives, whether it is animals, plants or people. Among our most important habitats are the hedgerows of the County.
Some of the most important habitats for wildlife are protected through designation. The majority of these sites are privately owned, and designation means that the landowners have special responsibility, in collaboration with the National Parks and Wildlife Service, to protect the wildlife and habitats on these sites. These sites are listed in the County Development Plan, and their wildlife importance must be taken into account in any development proposals. In addition, special incentives through schemes such as the Rural Environment Protection Scheme (REPS) are made available to landowners with designated sites.
The types of biodiversity designation are:
- Natural Heritage Areas (NHAs) nationally important sites protected by the Irish Government through the Wildlife Act. Download a map of NHAs in Laois.
- Special Areas for Conservation (SACs) are sites of international importance for their habitats (eg blanket bog) or particular species (eg Salmon) and to which the European Union has asked Ireland to give special protection. Download a map of SACs in Laois.
- Special Protection Areas (SPAs), are sites of international importance for birds. Part of the Slieve Bloom mountains has recently been proposed for designation as a Special Protection Area.
The National Parks and Wildlife Service of the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government has a designated sites information line. Freephone 1800 40 50 00 or e-mail e-mail natureconservation@environ.ie. Click here for local NPWS staff contact details
