Majority of Ireland’s protected habitats still in decline
The Killarney National Park is a natural reserve located in County Kerry, Ireland, known for its breathtaking landscapes and rich biodiversity.
The new year begins with a worrying statistic about biodiversity — 90% of Ireland’s protected habitats are in “unfavourable” conservation status, according to a recent report.
But there are some positive findings for species, with 58% in “favourable” conservation status and over two-thirds showing either stable or improving trends.
The report notes that over two-thirds of habitats are impacted by agricultural-related activities, particularly inappropriate grazing, drainage and pollution. Invasive and problematic species, recreational activities and pollution are also impacting habitat quality, while freshwater species are under particular pressure from pollution.
The Status of EU Protected Habitats and Species in Ireland, 2025: Summary Report, commonly referred to as the Article 17 Report, is published every six years. Assessments are based on data gathered from the National Parks and Wildlife Service and Inland Fisheries Ireland monitoring and conservation programmes.
Information from the Environmental Protection Agency, the National Biodiversity Data Centre and other relevant sources supplements the data. The report presents a comprehensive overview of the conservation status of the 59 habitats and 60 species in Ireland that are protected under the EU Habitats Directive.
Assessments for 2025 note that 51% of habitats are showing deteriorating trends across their national ranges. This includes sites that are designated as Special Areas of Conservation as well as the wider countryside.
However, early signs of recovery have been observed in areas where focused conservation efforts have been made, with 9% of habitats showing improving trends.
Nature, heritage and biodiversity minister Christopher O’Sullivan said that given the huge efforts to turn the tide on biodiversity loss in recent years, the findings will be disappointing for many — “but we cannot lose hope.” He said: “This report is evidence that targeted conservation and restoration actions do deliver positive outcomes.
“We must be heartened by the huge effort underway across all corners of the country to protect and restore our natural world and remind ourselves of the need for patience.
“We must also redouble our commitment to nature by continuing investment, strengthening collaboration and improving delivery as we strive to stop the loss of biodiversity and move towards a future where it is protected and restored.
“In the context of the Nature Restoration Law, this will mean working with colleagues across Government to improve partnerships and resourcing, including with agencies, local authorities and landowners, and I am committed to delivering on this,” he said.
Minister O’Sullivan said that over the past number of years, Government investment in the protection of nature has ramped up significantly, complemented by large-scale European projects to protect species and habitats.
This includes a significant expansion of the National Parks and Wildlife Service through an organisational renewal programme. Annual funding for the NPWS increased from €28.7m in 2020 to €100m as part of Budget 2026. Staff capacity within the NPWS has also increased by 68% during this time.
Additionally, closer co-operation across Government departments has ensured that biodiversity and nature considerations are embedded across wider national policy areas, including climate, agriculture, water and land use.
Meanwhile, targeted programmes have proven successful, such as NPWS initiatives to protect the Lesser Horseshoe Bat, as have agricultural schemes such as LIFE Programmes, EIPs and the NPWS Farm Plan Scheme.
All play an important role in supporting private landowners to take action to protect habitats and species.
The Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES) under the Common Agricultural Policy is playing a key role, as it offers targeted actions for farmers, particularly in areas dominated by semi-natural vegetation and Natura 2000 sites.
Minister O’Sullivan said while the scale of the challenge is significant, targeted conservation work in communities across the country is beginning to reverse negative trends. Peatland restoration programmes and collaboration have driven improving trends for Raised Bog and associated habitats.
The All-Ireland Pollinator Plan has made a major impact on the expansion of hay meadows. There is also good news for the otter, pine marten, common frog and seals, as well as several plant and bat species, all of which are continuing to thrive in Ireland.
“We have a long way to go, but we are starting to get a clearer picture of what’s working and where to focus our efforts. This is exactly the kind of evidence base we need as we look ahead to Ireland’s Nature Restoration Plan,” he said.
Niall Ó Donnchú, NPWS director general, said nature cannot be rebuilt in a day, nor, in many cases, even in a decade.
“The real time to begin was yesterday,” he said, adding that while the report findings may feel disheartening, they also reveal the quiet but powerful momentum of nature and species renewal already underway.
