Introduction

Ireland has a wide diversity of habitats for its small size including 16 priority habitats as designated under the EU Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC).  Habitats of particular significance because of their scarcity in both Ireland and the rest of Europe include limestone pavements, turloughs, active peatlands, species rich grasslands and intact dune and machair systems.

Ireland has unique juxtapositions of Mediterranean species with species of colder climates.  It also holds important numbers of bird species that are in decline or rare elsewhere and is an important destination for many migratory birds of international significance. Irish marine waters are amongst Europe’s richest for cetaceans, and the west coast maerl beds are of particular note, supporting a diverse array of associated fauna.

Ireland’s aquatic systems and wetlands support internationally significant populations of threatened species such as the Atlantic salmon Salmo salar, white-clawed crayfish Austropotomobius pallipes, freshwater pearl mussel Margaritifera margaritifera, and marsh fritillary butterfly Euphydras aurinia. Ireland is also particularly rich in bryophytes, lichen and algae and supports internationally important populations of non-marine molluscs and water beetles.

Ecosystem Services

Biodiversity provides a wide range of ecosystem services including food, fuel, fibre, medicines, regulation of water, air and climate, pollination, soil formation and retention, nutrient and carbon cycling, and natural hazards mitigation.