The EU LIFE Strategic Nature Project (LIFE SNaP Ireland) is a multi-annual programme co-funded by the European Union under the LIFE Programme, aimed at supporting the implementation of the Birds and Habitats Directives and the achievement of Ireland’s Natura 2000 conservation objectives.
The project is structured across a number of thematic pillars. Pillar 2, the Restoration Pillar, focuses on the implementation of priority conservation actions for specific Natura 2000 sites and species, including wetland and coastal lagoon systems such as Lady’s Island Lake SAC (000704) and Tacumshin Lake SAC (000709).
NPWS has committed to providing €3million in Complementary Funding to LIFE SNaP Ireland specifically to fund concrete conservation measures on Lady’s Island Lake SAC (000704) and Tacumshin Lake SAC (000709). The project budget for LIFE SNaP Ireland includes approximately €750,000 for Coastal Lagoon expertise and leadership within the project team.
Proposed actions for Pillar two of LIFE SNaP Ireland will be delivered under three distinct components:
Component 1 - National Coastal Lagoons Restoration Strategy will commence this year with a literature review on coastal lagoons, followed by preparation of a National Coastal Lagoons Restoration Strategy. Over the life of the LIFE SNaP Ireland project, the project team will collaborate with, and provide expertise to, a multi-agency team delivering conservation measures at Lady’s Island and Tacumshin Lake, including monitoring and survey, habitat protection for listed species, flood management and measures to reduce nutrient inflow. Such projects benefit from a high degree of support and co-operation from landowners and the local community, which is greatly appreciated and acknowledged.
Component 2 - strategic interventions on other lands will deliver targeted restoration actions defined during the course of the project, guided by the Project's Integrated Data Platform for Conservation, and by the Prioritised Action Framework for Nature restoration (PAF21). Work on this component is scheduled to commence in 2027.
Component 3 - afforested peatlands restoration on the Coillte estate, will be delivered by Coillte as a LIFE SNaP Ireland partner, and is due to commence this year with a planning and site selection phase. Implementation of restoration measures is scheduled to proceed from 2028.
My Department, through the National Parks and Wildlife Service, will oversee delivery of the project and ensure that funding is directed towards priority conservation actions in line with Ireland’s obligations under EU nature legislation.
