Special Protection Area (SPA) Assessment

Special Protection Areas (SPAs) are concerned with the long-term protection of wild bird species and their habitats, as set out in the European Birds Directive.

SACs and SPAs form a European wide network of sites known as Natura 2000, which Planning Authorities are obliged by law to ensure are protected and conserved.

The Fingal coast is especially important for wild birds and designated Special Protection Areas in Fingal include Baldoyle Bay, Rogerstown and Malahide/Broadmeadow Esturaries, Lambay Island and Ireland's Eye, Rockabill Island and Skerries Islands.

Rockabill Island is also designated as a Refuge for Fauna for the roseate tern.