Ireland is obliged to undertake surveillance/monitoring (Article 11) of the habitats listed on Annex 1 of the EU Habitats Directive and to report regularly on their conservation status (Article 17). The assessment of conservation status requires an understanding of the distribution, area, structures and functions and the pressures impacting on these habitats. Designing an effective surveillance programme involves monitoring a representative sample of the resource across its natural range. (Refer to RFT.)

Ireland is obliged to undertake surveillance/monitoring (Article 11) of the habitats listed on Annex 1 of the EU Habitats Directive and to report regularly on their conservation status (Article 17). The assessment of conservation status requires an understanding of the distribution, area, structures and functions and the pressures impacting on these habitats. Designing an effective surveillance programme involves monitoring a representative sample of the resource across its natural range. (Refer to RFT.)