The European Commission has initiated a 'fitness check' of the EU Birds Directive and Habitats Directive to assess whether they are ‘fit for purpose’.

The Birds Directive and Habitats Directive provide for the designation of Special Protection Areas (SPAs) for birds and wetlands and Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) for other important habitats and species. Dublin Bay Biosphere, which was recently designated by UNESCO, contains numerous SPAs and SACs.

It is crucial to the review process that all interested parties are able to provide input and make their views on the Directives known. An online public consultation is now open and will run until 24th July 2015.