Plans to protect flora and fauna

ALL-IRELAND species action plans have been developed for the hare, the corncrake, Irish lady’s tresses orchid and the pollan, a rare fish found only in Ireland.

As a result, the requirements of hares are taken into account when developing agri-environment schemes such as REPS, and the cross-compliance measures which farmers receiving subsidies must observe. Farmers in REPS and the NPWS scheme in the Shannon callows area, or those in the special corncrake grant scheme, must take measures to protect the bird.

Landowners must also take measures to maintain Irish lady’s tresses orchid, if their lands are within Natural Heritage Areas designated because of the presence of the flower.