New Threat Response Plans are being prepared by NPWS as part of Ireland's response to the judgement of the European Court of Justice in case C-183/05, and the requirement to establish a system of strict protection for species listed in Annex IV of the Habitats Directive.
These three year plans provide detailed information on range, distribution and habitat. They also focus on the particular threats facing each species and identify the measures required to address these threats, as well as identifying who is responsible for implementing them and providing a time frame for delivery.
The Kerry Slug Threat Response Plan.
[3MB] was published in May 2010, while the Vesper Bats Threat Response Plan [876KB] and Otter Threat Response Plan [856KB] were published in June 2009. These documents supercede the previously published Species Action Plans for these species.
The Conservation Plan for Irish Cetaceans [2.54MB] is now available. This document incorporates the delivery schedule for actions listed in the plan.
An All-Ireland action plan for the Red Squirrel (Red Squirrel Species Action Plan [87KB]) was published in May 2008.
All Ireland species action plans for the Killarney Fern (Killarney Fern Species Action Plan [88KB]) and nine vesper bat species were published in April 2008.
Species action plans (RoI only) for the Otter and the Kerry Slug were published in January 2008. However, they were superceeded by subsequent Threat Response Plans for the species (see above).
Four species action plans, covering the Irish Hare, the Corncrake, the Pollan and Irish Lady's Tresses were published in 2005 (All Ireland Species Plan [240KB]).
A conservation plan for the Natterjack Toad was published in 2002 (Irish Wildlife Manual No 10: [493KB]).
National Parks and Wildlife Service is committed to preparing Species Action Plans (SAPs) for species of highest conservation concern, under Action 26 of the National Biodiversity Plan [3.32MB].
Given that the island of Ireland comprises a single biogeographical unit, the benefits of joint work and pooling of resources to protect our natural heritage is evident. Where appropriate, plans are prepared jointly with the Environment and Heritage Service in Northern Ireland (EHS) and go through a period of on-line public consultation, both North and South.
The purpose of a SAP is to outline the work to be done and strategies to be followed for the conservation of the species. Given the broad range of actions entailed, they inform the policy of all Government agencies not just those with particular responsibility for the preservation and management of wildlife.
The publication of these action plans is a clear indication of the commitment of the Irish Government towards the conservation of biodiversity.
Plans in preparation will focus on the Cetaceans and the Freshwater pearl mussel.