Since 1997, Ireland has identified over 400 of its most important forests, rivers and lakes, uplands, estuaries, marine areas and bogs as areas which should be protected as part of a Europe wide network of site, known as Natura 2000, under the European Union’s Habitats Directive.

The final formal element in the designation of this site was recently completed by the publication of the European Union Habitats (South Dublin Bay Special Area of Conservation 000210) Regulations 2019 (S.I. No. 525 of 2019).

This site was selected in order to protect:

1140 Mudflats and Sandflats not covered by seawater at low tide.

1210 Annual vegetation of drift lines

1310 Salicornia and other annuals colonising mud and sand.

2110 Embryonic shifting dunes