Over 13% of Ireland’s terrestrial land area is under conservation status.

Figures released by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage to the Irish Farmers Journal reveals that over 951,529ha of Irish land is under conservation status.

The figure is the sum of land included in special areas of conservation (SAC), special protection areas (SPA) and natural heritage areas (NHA).

Front runners

Kerry has the greatest percentage of land under conservation status at 31.86%, covering a total of 151,292ha.

This is followed closely by Galway and Mayo, at 28.25% (172,931ha) and 23.96% (133,939ha) respectively.

Kildare has the lowest percentage of land under conservation status at 1.19% (2,012 ha).