The Department of the Environment has taken the unprecedented move of directing a local authority to reverse a rezoning due to concerns over a roost of rare and protected species of bats.

FOUR years after getting the green light, work is finally expected to commence on a €80 million retirement village at Carnelly near Ennis this June.

IN response to your report headlined ‘Council goes bats with taxpayers’ money’ (November 28), it is important for the public to appreciate that spending public money on nature conservation is not a waste of resources.

UP to 30 whale species, a string of bats, the Kerry slug, otters and the natterjack toad should have a better chance of survival after the European Court of Justice ruled Ireland must take better care of them in future.