Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP) is a relatively recent discipline which has developed in different ways in different places. UNESCO defines it as a practical way to create and establish a more rational organisation of the use of marine space and the interaction between its uses, to balance demands for development with the need to protect marine ecosystems, and to achieve social and economic objectives in an open and planned way.
Harnessing Our Ocean Wealth – An Integrated Marine Plan for Ireland (HOOW), published in 2012, recognises maritime spatial planning as a key enabler of maritime activities leading to growth and jobs. To support the implementation of HOOW, a dedicated cross-Department task force, the Enablers Task Force, was established in December 2012 to consider the development of an appropriate MSP framework for Ireland within which the scope and objectives of an overarching national plan will be defined. The task force report, endorsed by the Government in July 2015, is available at: http://www.ouroceanwealth.ie/sites/default/files/sites/default/files/news/Final%20Our%20Ocean%20Wealth%20Enablers%20Task%20Force%20Report.pdf
In parallel to the work of the Enablers Task Force, EU negotiations on a Directive on MSP progressed, leading to the adoption of Directive 2014/89/EU establishing a framework for maritime spatial planning in July 2014. The Directive contains a transposition deadline of September 2016 and requires Member States to have maritime spatial plans in place by 2021.
In broad terms, the Directive requires Member States to consider economic, social and environmental aspects to support sustainable development in the maritime sector and to apply an eco-system based approach to the co-existence of appropriate activities. The Directive also requires trans-boundary cooperation between Member States and Third Countries in the development of such plans.
The Directive outlines the main objectives and minimum requirements of MSP and includes requirements for Member States to:
- designate a competent authority or authorities to implement the Directive;
- establish a legislative framework for maritime spatial planning;
- develop maritime spatial plans;
- ensure comprehensive public participation in the development of plans;
- organise the use of the best available data; and
- co-operate with other Member States and Third Countries.
When established the maritime spatial plan will provide a robust policy and forward planning context for considering applications for development in the maritime area.
It is intended to bring proposals to Government shortly concerning the administrative arrangements for implementing the Directive’s requirements.
