Special Protection Areas (SPAs) are designated under the Conservation (Natural Habitats, etc.) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1995 (as amended). These regulations implemented the Habitats Directive and will continue to apply after 1 January 2021. Some operability changes have been made through the Conservation (Natural Habitats, etc.) (Amendment) (Northern Ireland) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019.

SPAs contribute to a UK national site network on land and at sea, including both the inshore and offshore marine areas. They are classified for rare and vulnerable birds (as listed on Annex I of the Birds Directive(79/409/EEC as amended), and for regularly occurring migratory species. The European Commission's website hosts a full copy of the EC Directive on the conservation of wild birds (79/409/EEC), within which all the Articles and Annexes (including amendments) are given, along with useful interpretation information.