Legislation Protecting Irish Bats
Wildlife Act 1976
In the Republic, all bats and their roosts are given protection under Schedule 5 of the Wildlife Act 1976. It is unlawful to disturb either without the appropriate licence. The The Conservation (Nature Habitats, etc.) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1995 give the same protection to bats and their roosts in the six counties north of the border.
The Act is currently under review and amendments have been drafted.
Bern and Bonn Conventions
Ireland has ratified two international wildlife laws pertaining to bats, these are known as the 'Bern' and 'Bonn' Conventions due to their places of origin.
The Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats (Bern Convention 1982), in relation to bats, exists to conserve all species and their habitats.
The Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (Bonn Convention 1979, enacted 1983), was instigated to protect migrant species across all European boundaries.
Habitats Directive
The EC Directive on the Conservation of Natural Habitats and of Wild Fauna and Flora (Habitats Directive 1992), seeks to protect rare species, including bats, and their habitats and requires that appropriate monitoring of populations be undertaken.