Quad-biking, scrambling and jet-skiing can be restricted, or even prohibited, under new regulations announced this evening by Minister for the Environment John Gormley.
They will be curtailed where it is deemed that certain species or areas need to be protected.
Failure to act quickly will result in hefty fines from the European Court of Justice in Brussels.
Back in 2007, it ruled that Ireland was failing to protect Special Areas of Conservation because activities likely to disturb or damage species were continuing.
Mr Gormley has introduced new regulations to regulate activities like quad-biking in mountainous areas, while also preventing power boats and jet-skis damaging nests of water birds.
