EU Habitats Directive

Legislation which protects habitats at EU and national level requires projects to be compliant at all stages of production.  Capability studies and assessments can be required for the production of stand alone Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA), ecology chapters within Environmental Impact Statements (EIS) and for Natura Impact Statements (NIS).  

The Habitats Directive 

(Together with the Birds Directive) forms the cornerstone of Europe's nature conservation policy. It is built around two pillars: the Natura 2000 network of protected sites and the strict system of species protection. All in all the directive protects over 1.000 animals and plant species and over 200 so called "habitat types" (e.g. special types of forests, meadows, wetlands, etc.), which are of European importance.
Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora

• Consolidated version 1. 1. 2007

• Information on Enlargement Changes

Guidance on specific articles:

• Art 6 - Management of Natura 2000 sites
  

• Art 8 - Financing Natura 2000
  

• Arts 12 and 16 – Strict Protection of Animal species
  
• Commission notes:
  • Designation of Special Areas of Conservation (SACs)
  • Setting conservation objectives for Natura 2000 sites
  • Establishing conservation measures for Natura 2000 sites (in preparation)

Interpretation Manual
Standard Data Forms
European Topic Centre on Biological Diversity provides technical support to Natura 2000

Legislation in Ireland

In Ireland the Strategic Infrastructure Bill of 2006, linked here, is also relevant. 

Glas Ecology can advise on your legal obligations for feasibility and planning application, construction and post-construction monitoring, general compliance and mitigating actions.