Special area of conservation

Derogation role for Habitats Directive questioned

A 2023 European Court ruling found that Ireland failed to fulfil its obligations under the Habitats Directive regarding special area of conservation (SAC) designations.

NEWS 13 August 2025

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In pictures: former mill and 92ac for sale in Galway

In pictures: former mill and 92ac for sale in Galway

PROPERTY 8 June 2025

Pig-fattening house appealed to an Bord Pleanála for decision

Pig-fattening house appealed to an Bord Pleanála for decision

PIGS 31 March 2025

Designated land rules 'horrific' for farmers

Designated land rules 'horrific' for farmers

Designated land rules 'horrific' for farmers

NEWS 26 March 2025

Designations devalue farmland and limit use – Kerry farmer

Designations devalue farmland and limit use – Kerry farmer

Designations devalue farmland and limit use – Kerry farmer

NEWS 22 March 2025

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Court of Appeal directs farmer's case over SAC land to High Court

Court of Appeal directs farmer's case over SAC land to High Court

The farmer is now seeking damages for alleged loss and damage caused to him by the SAC designation, mainly based on the profits he would allegedly have earned had he been permitted to plant forestry.

FORESTRY 10 January 2025

State pays €2,020/ac for over 600ac of Galway land

State pays €2,020/ac for over 600ac of Galway land

Minister of State for nature, heritage and biodiversity Christopher O’Sullivan announced that this purchase will go towards the significant expansion of the Connemara National Park.

NEWS 10 January 2025

‘Significant’ 615ac expansion at Connemara National Park announced

‘Significant’ 615ac expansion at Connemara National Park announced

This land purchase represents the most significant addition to the park since it was first opened to the public in 1980.

NEWS 10 January 2025

Investigations under way after fire at Barley Cove

Investigations under way after fire at Barley Cove

The National Parks and Wildlife Service at the Department of Housing has confirmed it is investigating a fire on Sunday evening 9 February on the Mizen Head Peninsula.

NEWS 10 January 2025

Monaghan farmers seek to overturn poultry planning permission ban

Monaghan farmers seek to overturn poultry planning permission ban

Planning rules currently ban the development of certain pig and poultry farms within 10km of a Natura 2000 site. Caitríona Morrissey reports.

NEWS 10 January 2025

Farmer who uprooted 250 trees in Cork given time to fix damage

Farmer who uprooted 250 trees in Cork given time to fix damage

The court heard that the farmer was anxious to put right the damage and had already undertaken substantial remedial works. David Forsythe reports.

NEWS 10 January 2025

Permission granted to pump water from Lough Funshinagh

Permission granted to pump water from Lough Funshinagh

Permanent flood relief works at Lough Funshinagh had been caught in planning regulations since the turlough started to flood.

NEWS 10 January 2025

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SOMMET DE L’ÉLEVAGE 2025: showcasing the future of sustainable livestock farming

As the global conversation around sustainability intensifies, the SOMMET DE L’ÉLEVAGE stands out as a concrete example of how livestock farming can adapt to meet environmental and economic demands.

SOMMET DE L’ÉLEVAGE 2025: showcasing the future of sustainable livestock farming

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