ABSTRACT
Similar to other European countries, biodiversity in Irish cities can be quite high, as there are many species that can live in the urban setting (Hayden and Bolger 1996; Ní Lamhna et al. 2012) and many alien (in particular plant) species that have been intentionally introduced (Smith et al. 2006; Brennan et al. 2010a). Furthermore, the location of many Irish urban centres is associated with estuaries and other naturally biodiverse areas as has been found elsewhere in Europe (Kuhn et al. 2004). For example, the largest metropolitan area (Dublin) is located around Dublin Bay, a designated UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. While this provides a promising basis for enhancing biodiversity in Irish cities, the management of urban biodiversity is challenged by ongoing development and population pressures on habitats (CBD 2013). Often conservation aims are in direct contradiction with development and recreational needs. In order to manage these trade-offs more effectively it is important to know what current practice in biodiversity management is.
