EcoEireann > What We Do > Protected Species & Habitat Surveys

Protected Species & Habitat Surveys

Ireland has a suite of protected sites that are designated for the habitats and species found within them. These habitats and species are designated under EU legislation and Ireland has a requirement to protect those which may be rare, threatened or declining both in Ireland and throughout Europe.

EcoÉireann is highly experienced in carrying out surveys and mitigation to ensure that any development or project complies with relevant legislation to ensure that no harm or damage is done to these habitat or species during and after works.

We undertake regular Continual Professional Development courses to ensure that the team is kept up to date on changes in legislation, survey methodology and guidelines giving our clients confidence that the work that will be prepared will be in line with current regulations and best practice

EcoÉireann preliminary checks to a site to ascertain the potential of a protected species or habitat being present such as bats, badger, otter, salmonid fish, lamprey, white-clawed crayfish, blanket bog, ancient woodland etc. We are experienced in undertaking a range of protected species and detailed habitat surveys from bats to badgers to butterflies.

Get in touch to discuss your development and surveys required.

Fresh Water Pearl Mussel

fresh water pearl muscles, fresh water pearl muscles surveys

If your project is to affect a waterway it should always be assessed for protected species and for any effects to freshwater species, such as fresh-water pearl mussel, fish or white-clawed crayfish. Consideration of the presence of fresh-water pearl mussel populations and their life stage can have significant implications.

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Fish and Aquatic

Many of the Ireland’s freshwater systems support populations of fish which are important internationally. Where these are identified by statutory agencies they are designated as Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) as required by the EU Habitats Directive, and receive strict protection under the UKs Habitats Regulations

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Invertebrate

Notable invertebrates occur in a wide range of habitats and can be specific to local or regional locations, so it is important to understand what habitats and food plants are present on your site to see if notable invertebrates are likely to be present.

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Otter

Otters are a riverine species and are often present near waterways. Otter also shelter woodland close to waterways. If you are planning works near these habitats or are unsure as to whether otter could be present, get in touch and we will happily guide you through the process.

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Pine Martens

Pine martens are typically found in woodlands and occasionally crag habitats. If you are planning works near these habitats or are unsure as to whether pine marten could be present get in touch with us

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Red squirrels

Red squirrels are present in woodlands throughout the majority of Ireland.If you are planning works within or near these habitats or are unsure as to whether red squirrel could be present, simply get in touch.

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Reptiles

As reptiles can be present on a range of sites, it is important to establish whether surveys to identify the presence or absence of reptiles should be considered. EcoEireann can advise you on whether reptile surveys are required prior to commencement of your project.

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White-Clawed Crayfish

White-clawed crayfish are a European protected species, and should be considered if your project could potentially impact a watercourse. An assessment for the potential of white-clawed crayfish presence can be undertaken as a standalone survey or as part of a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal.

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Amphibians

EcoÉireann can advise you on relevant legislation and provide pragmatic approaches to establishing presence or absence of amphibians, and required mitigation where the species is recorded.

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Preliminary Ecological Appraisal

The primary tool for assessing a site's ecological quality, a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal, is the first stage of an ecological survey conducted to ascertain whether further ecological survey effort is required to assess a development’s potential impacts.

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Method Statements

Ecological method statements outline the procedure and methodologies needed to be undertaken for a project in order to comply with regulations such as planning conditions or European Protected Species Licence (EPSL) mitigation.

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Badger

Badgers are secretive, and it is possible to be unaware of their presence on a site. If you suspect badgers or their setts are present or are unsure if you require a badger survey or badger protection, simply get in touch.

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Bats

Bats roost in a variety of structures and trees throughout the Ireland. If work is planned on buildings (including modern builds), bridges, trees or other structures it is important to contact us as bats could be present. Planners will also advise that bat surveys should be undertaken to structures undergoing planning consent.

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Botanical Surveys

Botanical Surveys are designed to identify and quantify botanical features and habitat types. They comprise of surveys such as Phase 1 Habitat Surveys, NVC surveys, habitat specific plant surveys and protected plant species and distribution surveys, all of which are tailored to suit the needs of your site.

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