Summary
Killaspugbrone Dunes are part of the Cummeen Strand/Drumcliff Bay (Sligo Bay) SAC. They are facing significant pressures from erosion and visitor pressure to scrub encroachment. The event will highlight the pressures and discuss the measures being considered as part of the project to restore the conservation status of the dunes and associated species.
Description
The event will involve a walk on the dunes to see first hand the pressures that they are facing and to consider the potential actions that can be taken to resolve them. There have been numerous studies undertaken over many years, detailing the conservation status of the sensitive habitats and species on the site. These include various sand dune habitats along with the narrow-mouthed whorl snail (Vertigo angustior). The area is in the ownership of Sligo County Council and a Conservation Management Plan has been prepared to identify the actions that need to be undertaken to address the issues identified in previous studies whilst recognising and taking account of the variety of competing functions the dunes serve, from coastal protection to recreation and forestry.
The implementation of the plan will require extensive consultation and stakeholder engagement and the field visit will provide an insight into the challenges encountered when preparing to take a plan from a paper to on the ground implementation. The event is designed to serve as a useful workshop for those who may be planning similar nature restoration projects – or just a day out on the dunes for interested ecologists.
About the speakers/leaders
Ruth Hanniffy has over two decades of experience in species conservation, ecological policy, habitat management and public engagement across Ireland and the UK. She is currently the Biodiversity Officer with Sligo County Council, where she oversees the implementation of the County Biodiversity Action Plan 2025–2030. Her work focuses on integrating biodiversity across council operations, through partnerships with state agencies and biodiversity organisations, and supporting communityled initiatives.
Pat Roberts is Principal Ecologist with MKO with over 20 years post graduate experience of providing ecological services in relation to a wide range of developments at the planning, construction and monitoring stages. Pat holds B.Sc.(Hons) in Environmental Science. Pat has extensive experience of providing ecological consultancy on large scale industrial and civil engineering projects. He is highly experienced in the completion of ecological baseline surveys and impact assessment at the planning stage. He has worked closely with construction personnel at the set-up stage of numerous construction sites to implement and monitor any prescribed best practice measures. He has designed numerous Environmental Operating Plans and prepared many environmental method statements in close conjunction with project teams and contractors. He has worked extensively on the identification, control and management of invasive species on numerous construction sites.
Malena Thren is an Ecologist with MKO with over two years’ experience in ecological consultancy. Malena holds a first-class Honours degree in Environmental Science (B.Sc. Hons.) from NUI Galway (2023) and a Level 6 Certificate in Irish Wildflower Identification (ATU Sligo, 2025). After gaining experience in writing Environmental Impact Assessment reports from screening to the submission stage, Malena is now designing conservation and biodiversity management plans for local authorities to manage designated sites, and for developers who wish to improve their development for nature. She is specialised in Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessments working with a variety of clients, advising on reducing their negative impact on biodiversity and achieving net gain within new developments. Malena is skilled in GIS analysis and in communicating complex ecological concepts effectively.
Bookings for this event will close on the 17th April at 16:00
If you would like to book a place on the conference on the 23rd April you can do so here Book your Conference ticket
