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Protecting Ireland’s Natural Heritage: How D/RES Developments Align with the National Biodiversity Action Plan

As Ireland works to protect and restore its natural heritage, the built environment has a critical role to play. At D/RES, we don’t see biodiversity as something separate from development—we see it as essential to sustainable placemaking, long-term resilience, and quality of life.

That’s why our approach is increasingly aligned with the goals of the National Biodiversity Action Plan (NBAP) not just in principle, but in practice.

Why Biodiversity Matters in Residential Development

Biodiversity is not just about wild spaces. It’s about healthy ecosystems where people and nature thrive side by side. And in our view, that begins with better site planning, smarter landscaping, and intentional design.

Whether it’s safeguarding native species, improving pollinator corridors, or restoring degraded land, we’re committed to playing our part.

Building with Biodiversity in Mind

Across our developments, we’re integrating key strategies that support national biodiversity goals:

• Pollinator-Friendly Planting: Inspired by the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan, we’re incorporating native, nectar-rich species into green spaces, verges, and private gardens.
• Tree Preservation and Rewilding: Wherever possible, we preserve existing trees and hedgerows—and where we can’t, we replace them with indigenous species that support local ecology.
• Biodiversity Mapping: We assess habitats on-site early in the planning process, using ecological consultants to guide decisions that balance development with environmental stewardship.
• Green Infrastructure: From SUDS (sustainable urban drainage systems) to natural buffers, we embed green infrastructure that supports both biodiversity and climate resilience.

A Shared National Vision

The National Biodiversity Plan sets out ambitious targets for reversing biodiversity loss, protecting ecosystems, and restoring nature across Ireland. As developers, we have a unique opportunity—and responsibility—to help deliver those outcomes.

Our approach mirrors many of the NBAP’s key priorities:

• Reducing habitat fragmentation
• Enhancing urban biodiversity
• Integrating nature into land-use decisions
• Engaging communities in conservation

Local Roots, Long-Term Thinking

We’re also working at the community level—partnering with local biodiversity groups, supporting Tidy Towns initiatives, and creating public green spaces that connect people with nature.

Because we know that protecting biodiversity isn’t just good for the planet—it’s good for wellbeing, placemaking, and the long-term value of what we build.

Looking Ahead

As the conversation around climate and nature becomes more urgent, the question is no longer if development should consider biodiversity—but how deeply.

At D/RES, we’re committed to being part of the solution. Because the future of housing in Ireland should be green in every sense of the word.