Current Research Projects

Read more about Plant research projects

Read more about Animal research projects in the following areas:

• Birds
• Mammals
• Invertebrates
• Other

Read more about Habitat & Site research projects in the following areas:

• Agri-environment 
• Coastal
• Grasslands
• Native Woodlands
• Wetlands 
• Limestone Pavement
• Other

Read more about Marine research projects

Read more about Cross-cutting research projects

The Research Branch implements a research programme as an integral part of  the role, functions and responsibilities of the National Parks and Wildlife  Service (NPWS). The objective is to provide:

• The scientific basis for the interpretation and implementation of legislation and policies
• Specialist scientific information and advice

The research programme covers species and habitats, in particular their status, distribution, extent, ecology and threats, sites, ecological processes and functions, restoration ecology and the requirements of management/action plans in the terrestrial, freshwater and marine environments. Projects may encompass single to multiple species and habitat issues and be conducted at the site, local, regional, national or international levels.  Specific work areas are:

• To implement the Wildlife Act, 1976, the Wildlife (Amendment) Act, 2000, the provisions of the EU Habitats and Birds Directives and other international Conventions, particularly the Convention on Biological Diversity, and agreements related to the conservation of the natural heritage.
• Securing the conservation of a representative range of ecosystems, to maintain and enhance populations of flora and fauna.
• Providing scientific basis for the selection and delimitation of sites, and the identification of conservation objectives and management requirements. 
• To designate, protect, monitor, manage and maintain sites as Special Areas of Conservation (SACs), Special Protection Areas (SPAs), Natural Heritage Areas (NHAs), National Parks, Nature Reserves and Refuges for Flora and Fauna.
• Carrying out an ongoing programme of inventories, surveys, research and monitoring on habitats, species, ecological processes and designated sites, and by supporting other State bodies and NGOs in carrying out such work.
• To meet the reporting obligations arising from the EU Birds and Habitats Directives, as well as other relevant international conventions and agreements.
• Producing site management and species action plans.
• Meeting many of the action points identified in the National Biodiversity Plan
• Providing scientific advice to the pre-planning, planning, appeals and casework processes, and an extensive licensing function.
• Maintaining relevant expertise through attendance at workshops, seminars and conferences at home and abroad.
• Collating, managing, interpreting and publishing scientific data.

Members of Research Branch can be contacted by e-mailing: natureconservation@environ.ie.