Notice to Holders of Maritime Area Consents (MAC’s), Marine Usage Licences (MUL’s) and Foreshore Authorisations.
The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (DHLGH), has notified the Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (MARA) of the designation of a number of Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) under the European Union Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC), as enacted through national legislation.
This notice is intended to inform holders of Maritime Area Consents (MAC’s), Marine Usage Licences (MUL’s) and Foreshore Authorisations who may operate within or adjacent to the designated sites.
The following SACs have been designated by Statutory Instrument:
County Donegal
- S.I. No. 419 of 2026 – European Union Habitats (St. John’s Point Special Area of Conservation 000191) Regulations 2026
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- S.I. No. 420 of 2026 – European Union Habitats (Gweedore Bay and Islands Special Area of Conservation 001141) Regulations 2026
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- S.I. No. 421 of 2026 – European Union Habitats (Lough Swilly Special Area of Conservation 002287) Regulations 2026
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County Dublin
- S.I. No. 422 of 2026 – European Union Habitats (Lambay Island Special Area of Conservation 000204) Regulations 2026
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- S.I. No. 423 of 2026 – European Union Habitats (Codling Fault Zone Special Area of Conservation 003015) Regulations 2026
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County Galway
- S.I. No. 424 of 2026 – European Union Habitats (Inishmore Island Special Area of Conservation 000213) Regulations 2026
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- S.I. No. 425 of 2026 – European Union Habitats (West Connacht Coast Special Area of Conservation 002998) Regulations 2026
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County Leitrim
- S.I. No. 426 of 2026 – European Union Habitats (Bunduff Lough and Machair/Trawalua/Mullaghmore Special Area of Conservation 000625) Regulations 2026
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County Mayo
- S.I. No. 425 of 2026 – European Union Habitats (West Connacht Coast Special Area of Conservation 002998) Regulations 2026
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County Sligo
- S.I. No. 426 of 2026 – European Union Habitats (Bunduff Lough and Machair/Trawalua/Mullaghmore Special Area of Conservation 000625) Regulations 2026
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County Wexford
- S.I. No. 427 of 2026 – European Union Habitats (Hook Head Special Area of Conservation 000764) Regulations 2026
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Marine Sites
- S.I. No. 428 of 2026 – European Union Habitats (Belgica Mound Province Special Area of Conservation 002327) Regulations 2026
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- S.I. No. 429 of 2026 – European Union Habitats (South-west Porcupine Bank Special Area of Conservation 002329) Regulations 2026
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- S.I. No. 430 of 2026 – European Union Habitats (Porcupine Bank Canyon Special Area of Conservation 003001) Regulations 2026
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It is important to note that these areas have been protected by law since they were first proposed for designation and this final step in the process does not alter the overall obligations to protect the site(s).
If you require further information, please consult the National Parks and Wildlife Service’s website at https://www.npws.ie/protected-sites, call Freephone 1800 405250 or email: sitedesignations@npws.gov.ie
