The conservation of biodiversity in Ireland has been strengthened and expanded by EU law, most notably by the following EU Directives:
- Habitats Directive - Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora.
- Birds Directive - Directive 2009/147/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 November 2009 on the conservation of wild birds
- EIA Directive - Directive 2011/92/EU on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment amended by Directive 2014/52/EU
- SEA Directive - Directive 2001/42/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 June 2001 on the assessment of the effects of certain plans and programmes on the environment