A policy position developed by the Environmental Pillar in response to Ireland’s adoption of GAEC 2 within the CAP Strategic Plan 2024-2027
Wetlands
Map of Irish Wetlands
The Map of Irish Wetlands is a joint project between Wetland Surveys Ireland and Foss Environmental Consulting. Numerous project have been undertaken over the last 25 years in Ireland to map freshwater wetland habitats in many counties. However, no centralised map of wetlands exists for Ireland.
We developed this mapping project to provide information on wetland sites throughout Ireland and called it the ‘Map of Irish Wetlands’.
It is the first time that information on Irish wetlands, both within the state network of protected areas and outside this network, originating from a wide variety of sources, are shown on one map and made freely available to those with an interest in Irish wetlands.
The map shows the location and provides further information on the characteristics of all wetland sites throughout Ireland. Wetland site boundaries are shown in selected counties where targeted wetland surveys have been undertaken or boundaries exist. Additional layers that can be displayed include ‘Wetland Indicating Sediments’ extracted from the Quaternary Map of Ireland and the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) designated site boundaries.
We hope the Map of Irish Wetlands resource will be of use to a range of professionals who are interested in identifying the wetland biodiversity resource in a given area. And of course it’s a way to check out the wetlands in your area.
We do not claim ownership over all of the records presented here, and acknowledge the time and effort of those who made the records. We will not be liable for any losses, costs, claims, injuries or damages arising in contract, tort or otherwise arising from your access to or use of the map or any content therein.
You can report an issues, errors or suggest inclusion of a site or photograph by emailing us at info@WetlandSurveysIreland.com
Peter Foss & Patrick Crushell
The County Wicklow Wetland Survey II
Wilson, Crushell, Curtis & Foss 2012
The project involved a field survey of 56 freshwater wetlands in County Wicklow, with the aim of identifying the specific wetlands and ecological interest of each site.
SCREENING FOR APPROPRIATE ASSESSMENTS: Integrated Constructed Wetlands at sites in Donegal.
Construction of three Integrated Constructed Wetlands (ICW’s) at three locations in Co. Donegal for the treatment of spent sheep dip effluent from three publicly used sheep dipping facilities.
Integrated Constructed Wetlands at a site at Ballykerrigan,Co Donegal.
Integrated Constructed Wetland at a site near Lough Muck, Co Donegal
Ramsar Reporting on National Wetlands
A diplomatic note was sent to all contracting parties in October 2019 with the request to prepare the National Reports on Wetlands
States were given until 31 January 2021 (for the most recent COP14 meeting)
Subsequently several reminders were sent.
Ireland has not still submitted a national wetland report
Last one that Ireland submitted was in 2002
Preparation of National Reports for the 14th Meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties
Note: Recommendation 2.1 recommends that all parties submit national reports
https://ramsar.org/sites/default/files/documents/library/key_rec_2.01e.pdf
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramsar_Convention
Ramsar Convention, Irish Contacts
| Andy BLEASDALE National Parks and Wildlife Service, National Parks and Wildlife Service Head of Administrative Authority Ireland Email: andy.bleasdale@housing.gov.ie Phone: +01 888 3221 |
| maurice EAKIN senior wetland ecologist, National Parks & Wildlife Service National Focal Point Ireland Email: maurice.eakin@housing.gov.ie Phone: +01 86 8059240 |
| Jim RYAN Senior Scientist – Wetlands, National Parks & Wildlife Service STRP Focal Point Ireland Email: jim.ryan@ahg.gov.ie Phone: +353 1 888 3291 |
| Karin DUBSKY International Coordinator, Coastwatch Europe CEPA NGO Focal Point Ireland Email: kdubsky@tcd.ie Phone: +353 1 896 2599 |
Tipperary Wetland Survey
The very first inventory of wetland sites in County Tipperary has been compiled (Foss 2021). This desktop study identified 622 potential wetland sites within the county. The habitats present at these sites range from bogs (raised, blanket, and cutover), to turloughs, lakes, fens, marshes, rivers and associated floodplains, springs, and wet woodlands. Many of the wetland sites identified contain more than one wetland habitat.
Leitrim Wetland Survey
A desktop study carried out by Wetland Surveys Ireland Ltd. on behalf of Leitrim County Council estimated that about 23% of the county is covered by wetlands, and over 380 potential wetland sites have been identified
Monaghan Wetlands Action Plan
The wetlands action plan is defining climate action and biodiversity restoration strategies and identifying sites where landowner and community buy in can be achieved.
It is the first wetlands action plan for any county in Ireland and also is the first use of the International Ramsar Convention RAWES method, which has allowed the team to capture and score the ecosystem services for the wetlands, creating an easy to understand communication tool for non-scientists and funders.
This is joint project initiative funded by Monaghan County Council, and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage through the National Biodiversity Action Plan. Monaghan County Council is working with Wetland Surveys Ireland to deliver this work
The County Monaghan Wetland Action Plan 2020-2021 aims to develop an integrated plan for the conservation of the wetland resource in County Monaghan, assessing ecosystem services and by engaging with a wide range of partners and community groups. It is joint project initiative funded by Monaghan County Council, and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage through the National Biodiversity Action Plan. Monaghan County Council is working with Wetland Surveys Ireland to deliver this initiative.
As part of the Monaghan Wetland Action Plan Project, 202 sites for which standard survey information exists will be evaluated in relation to the multiple benefits (ecosystem services) that these wetlands provide. This standard information is available thanks to past wetland surveys in the county.
A web app developed as part of the Monaghan Wetland Action Plan project shows the location of these wetlands, and allows local groups and interested parties see the results and outcome of the project.
The map can be viewed here: bit.ly/MonaghanWAP
county-monaghan-wetland-action-plan.-preliminary-scope-and-methodology.-by-peter-foss-and-patrick-crushell-2020-pdfDownload
Webinar
Monaghan Wetlands Story Map
https://wetland.maps.arcgis.com/apps/MapTour/index.html?appid=fb0df708de074515a68599550fbbb17a
Wetlands: Ramsar sites in Ireland
Ireland currently has 45 sites designated as Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar Sites), with a surface area of 66,994 hectares. These are wetlands that are of significant value for nature.
Access site map at http://irishwetlands.ie/irish-sites/ or https://rsis.ramsar.org/ris-search/?f%5B0%5D=regionCountry_en_ss%3AIreland