The Government has been asked to provide a positive information programme on environmental land designations by conservation and field sporting organisations.
BirdWatch Ireland, An Taisce, the Irish Peatland Conservation Council, the Irish Wildlife Trust and the National Association of Regional Game Councils are seeking a more effective consultation process.
Following a meeting with the Department of Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht, the group felt anxiety over designation of lands as heritage and special protection areas could be alleviated by public information.