Geology is recognised as an intrinsic component of natural heritage in three separate pieces of legislation or regulations, which empower and require various branches of Government and statutory agencies to consult and take due regard for conservation of geological heritage features. These are:

• Planning and Development Act 2000 [e.g. Sections 212 (1)f; Part IV, 6; First Schedule Condition 21],
• Planning and Development Regulations 2001,
• Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000 [enabling Natural Heritage Areas]

The Planning and Development Act 2000 and the Planning Regulations, in particular, place responsibility upon Local Authorities to ensure that geological heritage is protected.

Implementation of the Heritage Act 1995, through Heritage Officers and Heritage Plans, and the National Heritage Plan 2002, recognise County Geological Sites and allow them to be integrated into County Development Plans.​

​UNESCO Geopark status does not carry additional legislation in relation to planning.

Do you live on or close to a County Geological Site (CGS)?  

Are you planning on carrying out work on or close to a CGS?

Are you the owner of a CGS location?

​Are you interested in your local geoheritage?

The Irish Concrete Federation and the Geological Survey Ireland developed a set of guidelines for the quarrying industry entitled 'Geological Heritage Guidelines for the Extractive Industry'. They include possible end of quarry life recommendations.