This national survey of Irish sand dunes was carried out on behalf of the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS). The project represents the first comprehensive survey and assessment of sand dune systems and their habitats in Ireland. Over the course of three field seasons (2004-2006), almost 180 coastal sites were surveyed in detail. A habitat map was produced for each site and the conservation status of each habitat present was assessed. The total remaining dune resource is now estimated to cover approximately 10,850ha. The data were summarised to give a national overview of each habitat.
The project involved developing a survey methodology to assess the conservation status of dune habitats and provides important baseline data that can be used for monitoring sites in the future. The survey was specifically designed to produce data that could be used to report on the conservation status of ten Annex I sand dune habitats in Ireland under Article 17 of the EU Habitats Directive. It should be noted, however, that in the case of the two dune heath habitats the results of the conservation assessments in the CMP do not comply with the final Article 17 report submitted to the European Commission.
The conclusions drawn in this survey are those of the survey team and should not be inferred to represent those of NPWS. Readers are advised to examine the full report cited below before using the information.
A Summary of findings of CMP 
[68KB] outlining the main findings of the research is available, or you can download the main report below:
Ryle, T., Murray, A., Connolly, C., & Swann, M. (2009) Coastal Monitoring Project 2004-2006 [2.66MB], Unpublished Report to the National Parks & Wildlife Service.
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The conservation status of saltmarsh habitats is currently being assessed. A series of monitoring stops have been visited to assess various attributes such as typical species or negative indicators. The extent of each habitat is mapped and the impacts and activities recorded.
Habitat Map for Bull Island, Special Area of Conservation, Co. Dublin |
A national inventory of Irish sea cliff and coastal heath sites was completed in 2004. A total of 140 potential sites have been identified, with concentrations in Donegal, Mayo, Kerry and Cork. A detailed field survey has just commenced. Sea Cliff (Photo: Karen Gaynor) |
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Members of Research Branch can be contacted by e-mailing: natureconservation@environ.ie