A local MEP believes floodwaters at Lough Funshinagh in Roscommon have destroyed the EU protected habitat.
Colm Markey says exemptions must be introduced to laws around special areas of conservation to allow emergency works in the region.
Flood mitigation works at the south Roscommon turlough have been mired in legal battles over the last year, with works currently delayed on a small overflow pipe.
Environmental Group Friends of the Irish Environment launched a high court case against Roscommon County Council last year over claims they failed to uphold their obligations under the EU Habitats Directive and SAC legislation when commencing works.
He has called Lough Funshinagh a key example of a case where the unintended consequences of protecting a SAC have resulted in damaging the habitat by inaction.
Speaking to our reporter at the European Parliament in Strasbourg the Midlands North West MEP says sensible actions can be taken in emergency situations.:
