In 2007 the European Court ruled that Ireland has not been adequately fulfilling its duties under the Habitats and Birds Directives. In particular, under Article 6 of the Habitats Directive an Appropriate Assessment screening study must be carried out to determine if impacts to important conservation areas (Special Areas of Conservation or Special Protection Areas) are likely as a result of plans or projects. This includes County Development Plans, Local Area Plans or any other regional planning guidelines, as well as project level developments.

OPENFIELD successfully carried out a number of Appropriate Assessments in 2008 for Local Area Plans and individual projects across Ireland.