Backing for drafting of marine-planning bill
The Government has backed the drafting of a bill that aims to help Ireland reach a target of protecting 30% of its maritime area by 2030.
The proposed legislation is also aimed at meeting Ireland’s obligations under the EU’s Marine Strategy Framework Directive.
The Maritime Area Planning (Marine Protected Areas) (Amendment) Bill 2026, which will amend the Maritime Area Planning Act 2021, will provide a legislative basis for the designation and effective management of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in Irish waters.
According to the Department of Climate, Energy and the Marine, other amendments will ensure “streamlined, effective, and efficient” delivery of maritime planning in Ireland and support critical infrastructure.
‘Ecologically coherent’
MPAs will be designated and managed using the 2021 act’s existing planning tool, Designated Marine Area Plans (DMAPs).
"The proposed legislation will provide the mechanism for Ireland to reach its target of protecting 30% of our maritime area, in an ecologically coherent manner, by 2030,” said minister Darragh O’Brien.
The department said that drafting of the bill would start “shortly”.
This week, the first statutory Marine Planning Policy Statement was presented to Government. This is aimed at ensuring a consistent approach to marine planning in Ireland.