LIFE Strategic Nature Project for Ireland

Introduction

LIFE SNaP Ireland targets the PAF 2021-2027 (PAF21) for Natura 2000 in Ireland and covers the whole country. The consortium comprises the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (DHLGH), the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM), and Coillte.

Barriers to Implementation

Barriers hampering the implementation of conservation measures (E.2 of PAF21) have been identified in E.1 of PAF21 in three areas:

• Conservation data management (availability and quality)
• Integration/drawdown of complementary funding
• Bid writing for funding sources

Objectives and Phases

LIFE SNaP Ireland will contribute to the full implementation of PAF21 through the achievement of specific objectives addressing the above problems, using a three-pillar concept in three phases, over nine years (2024-2032).

Pillar 1: Integrated Data Platform

The SNaP will build an Integrated Data Platform for PAF Implementation (Pillar 1) to enable consolidation and management of all data relating to nature conservation in Ireland, including reporting and sharing.

The project will implement data sharing arrangements and will demonstrate delivery and value for money of conservation measures, identifying where future intervention is needed. The accessibility and reuse of data during and after the SNaP period will allow it to be used to its full potential in the identification of critical gaps and for the delivery and monitoring of the National Restoration Plan.

Pillar 2: Restoration

Pillar 2 Restoration will implement measures on 500ha of afforested peatlands and up to 1,000ha of land for PAF priorities. It will catalyse restoration of over one third of the designated lagoon habitat nationally (through committed complementary funding) and will develop a National Lagoons Restoration Strategy.

Additional PAF21 priorities will be addressed through the preparation of funding proposals in Pillar 3.

Pillar 3: National Complementary Funding Unit

Under Pillar 3, LIFE SNaP Ireland establishes a National Complementary Funding Unit to expand national capacity to secure complementary funding for the full implementation of E.2 measures of PAF21.