The National Parks and Wildlife Service is part of the Heritage Division of the Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage. The role of NPWS is to secure the conservation of a representative range of ecosystems to maintain and enhance populations of flora and fauna in Ireland. NPWS responsibilities include designating and advising on the protection of habitats and species identified for nature conservation, and making the necessary arrangements for the implementation of National and EU legislation and policies for nature conservation and biodiversity, including the EU Habitats and Birds Directives.