2023 - Derogation applications received & issued under Regulation 54 of the Habitats Directive

This data set contains a list of derogation applications received and/or issued under Regulation 54 of the European Habitats Directive. The EC (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011-2021 provide strict protection for all of the Irish species (both animal and plant) listed on Annex IV of the EU’s Habitats Directive. These species are: Bats, Otters, Kerry Slugs, Marine Mammals (Dolphins, Whales, Porpoises, and Marine Turtles), Killarney Fern, Slender Naiad & Marsh Saxifrage. It does this by prohibiting certain activities which could impact on the conservation status of those species. Those activities may only be permitted by way of a derogation. It should be noted that the Minister can only issue such derogations in very limited circumstances and where there is no satisfactory alternative. Derogations are issued by the Wildlife Licensing Unit of the NPWS.