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Designations

Loughs Agency is committed to safeguarding Natura 2000 sites in the Foyle and Carlingford areas, designated under the EU Habitats Directive for the long-term preservation of vital species and habitats. The site designations include:

Special Areas of Conservation (SAC):

  • River Foyle and Tributaries SAC

  • Owenkillew River SAC

  • River Finn SAC

  • River Roe and Tributaries SAC

  • River Faughan and Tributaries SAC

These SACs protect diverse species like Atlantic salmon, lampreys, freshwater pearl mussels, otters, and rare vegetation like the river water-crowfoot.

Special Protection Areas (SPA):

  • Lough Foyle and Carlingford Lough (Ireland and Northern Ireland)

  • Lough Derg and Inishtrahull (Donegal, Ireland)

SPAs focus on rare and endangered birds, supporting breeding and over-wintering of migratory populations.

Areas of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI):

Designated by DAERA in Northern Ireland, ASSIs protect outstanding plants, animals, and geological features based on diversity, naturalness, and rarity criteria.

Nature Reserves and Natural Heritage Areas:

  • Roe Estuary, Magilligan Point, Killeter Forest, and Rostrevor Oakwood are Nature Reserves, managed for public enjoyment and conservation.

  • Meenagarranroe Bog and Lough Hill Bog in Donegal are Natural Heritage Areas.

Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB):

  • Binevenagh AONB, Sperrin AONB, and Mourne AONB are designated for their distinctive landscapes and scenic value.

These designations align with relevant legislation, such as the European Commission Directive on the Conservation of Wild Birds, Nature Conservation and Amenity Lands (NI) Order 1985, and Ireland’s Wildlife Act 1976. Loughs Agency strives to balance public enjoyment with conservation efforts for future generations.