Irish National Parks & Wildlife Service (NPWS)

The National Parks and Wildlife Service manages the Irish State's nature conservation responsibilities. The Service was established as part of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government after the abolition of Dúchas – The Heritage Service in 2003. In 2011 built and natural heritage came into the remit of the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht as part of a reorganisation of Irish ministries. As well as managing the national parks, the activities of the NPWS include the designation and protection of Natural Heritage Areas, Special Areas of Conservation and Special Protection Areas.