burren LIFE

National Parks and Wildlife Service

The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government, is responsible for National and European site (Natura 2000) designation for species and habitat protection. The NPWS have developed Special Areas of Conservation management plans and give advice to landowners on land management practices favourable to nature conservation within designated sites and in the general countryside. The NPWS implement the Wildlife Act and Habitats Directive in Ireland and is responsible for the Burren National Park, Slieve Carran Nature Reserve, and nature conservation in the wider Burren, c.47,000 hectares, comprising of 5 SACs. The NPWS are the competent legal authority for nature conservation works in the Burren.

The View of the Partners

NPWS

Dr. John Cross, of the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Project Beneficiary / Project Sponsor) has stressed that 'past attempts to protect areas without involving the farming community were largely unsuccessful'. Ireland had signed up to various conservation measures in terms of the EU Habitats Directive and that there are obligations on the Irish government to ensure that these are adhered to. Dr Cross noted that delivery could only take place through the active support of the farming community. NPWS places great value in the partnership being developed with the farming community in the Burren. The NPWS views the BurrenLIFE Project as a potential blueprint for nature conservation throughout Ireland.