EU Member States are required to designate areas as Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) to protect a variety of habitats and species under the EU Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC). This Directive is transposed into Irish law by the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011. The designation of SAC sites under the Directive is a formal, legal process, with a number of steps, which are set out in full in the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011.
Site boundaries are determined on scientific grounds, based on the protected habitats and species for which the site is to be designated. Lough Melvin is a site designated as a Special Area of Conservation for the conservation of a number of habitats and species listed in Annex I/II of the EU Habitats Directive, including Salmon (Salmo salar).
De-designation of a European Site or part of a site is permitted only in very limited circumstances, and is not a national policy decision but a matter of European law. Any proposal to de-designate a European Site, or part of a site must be based on scientific grounds alone, and requires the consent of the European Commission.
