Ash Ecology

Ecological Consultant Donegal

Expert ecological and environmental assessments for planning applications in Donegal. CIEEM Registered Practice with fast turnaround.

Ecological Assessments in Donegal

Donegal's wild Atlantic coast supports outstanding coastal habitats — sea cliffs, machair, dune systems, and offshore islands. Glenveagh National Park protects native oak and birch woodland, blanket bog, and upland heath. The county's extensive bogs are among the most intact in Ireland. Lough Swilly is one of Ireland's premier sea loughs.

Natura 2000 Sites in Donegal

Key Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) in Donegal include Lough Swilly SAC, Donegal Bay SAC, West of Ardara/Maas Road SAC, Cloghernagore Bog and Glenveagh National Park SAC, and Horn Head and Rinclevan SAC.

Special Protection Areas (SPAs) include Lough Swilly SPA, Donegal Bay SPA, Lough Derg SPA (Donegal), Derryveagh and Glendowan Mountains SPA, and Sheskinmore Lough SPA.

Protected Species

Donegal is important for Corncrake (one of the last strongholds), Chough, and Peregrine Falcon. Red-necked Phalarope breeds in the county. Golden Eagle has been reintroduced to Glenveagh. Otter populations are strong along the coast. The county supports important Freshwater Pearl Mussel populations.

Planning in Donegal: Donegal County Council requires ecological assessment for most planning applications. The county's ecological sensitivity and the prevalence of wind energy proposals mean detailed ecological documentation is frequently needed.

Services in Donegal

AA Screening is needed across Donegal given the extensive Natura 2000 network. Wind energy developments require detailed EcIA and often NIS. Bat and badger surveys are standard for rural housing. Bird surveys may be needed near coastal SPAs.

Need a Flood Risk Assessment in Donegal?

We also provide Stage 1, 2 & 3 Flood Risk Assessments for planning through our dedicated service. Proper OPW methodology with fast turnaround.

Visit floodriskreport.ie →

Working with Donegal County Council

We have extensive experience preparing ecological reports for Donegal County Council. Our reports are thorough, clearly structured, and address the specific requirements of local planning officers. We regularly handle Further Information responses within tight timeframes.

Facing an FI deadline in Donegal? We regularly turn around Further Information responses within tight timeframes. Call us directly on 089 499 1181.

Get a Quote

Send your project details — we'll respond with a fixed-price quote, typically within 24 hours.

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089 499 1181