Ash Ecology

Ecological Consultant Galway

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

Ecological Assessments in Galway

Galway contains some of Ireland's most ecologically significant landscapes. The Connemara Bog Complex is one of Europe's finest intact blanket bog systems. Lough Corrib is Ireland's largest lake. Galway Bay supports extensive limestone pavement, machair, and coastal habitats. The Burren limestone extends into south Galway.

Natura 2000 Sites in Galway

Key Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) in Galway include Galway Bay Complex SAC, Lough Corrib SAC, Connemara Bog Complex SAC, The Twelve Bens/Garraun Complex SAC, and Lough Rea SAC.

Special Protection Areas (SPAs) include Lough Corrib SPA, Inner Galway Bay SPA, Cregganna Marsh SPA, and Rahasane Turlough SPA.

Protected Species

Lough Corrib supports Arctic Char, Atlantic Salmon, and Freshwater Pearl Mussel. Lesser Horseshoe Bats are present throughout the county. Pine Marten populations are strong in Connemara. Galway Bay is a critical wintering site for waterbirds including Great Northern Diver and Common Scoter.

Planning in Galway: Galway has one of the highest densities of designated sites in Ireland. Both the City and County Council require thorough ecological assessment for most developments. The Lough Corrib catchment alone covers a vast area of the county.

Services in Galway

The sheer density of Natura 2000 sites in Galway means AA Screening is needed for virtually all planning applications. NIS is frequently required, particularly in Connemara and around Lough Corrib. Lesser Horseshoe Bat surveys are a specialist requirement in western Galway.

Need a Flood Risk Assessment in Galway?

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 Galway City Council and Galway County Council

We have extensive experience preparing ecological reports for Galway City Council and Galway 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 Galway? 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