Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 5 May 2021
324. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the status of the ongoing work undertaken by his Department on Ireland’s marine protected areas and particularly on the preparation of appropriate legislation for meeting the targets in line with international and EU agreements on marine protected areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23244/21]
View answerThe final report of the MPA Advisory Group - established in 2019 to provide independent expert advice and recommendations on potential processes and requirements for expanding Ireland’s marine protected areas network - is now undergoing an extensive public consultation.
The public consultation process began on Wednesday 17 February 2021 and will remain open until Friday 30 July 2021 with a consultation questionnaire and a copy of the report available at
https://www.gov.ie/ga/comhairliuchan/comhairliuchan-poibli-ar-thuarascail-ghrupa-comhairleach-saineolaithe-dar-teideal-lionra-na-limistear-muiri-faoi-chosaint-in-eirinn-a-leathnu-amach/
https://www.gov.ie/en/consultation/45271-public-consultation-on-expert-advisory-group-report-entitled-expanding-irelands-marine-protected-area-network/
The consultation encourages all stakeholders and the wider public to get involved by sharing their views on the process by which Ireland’s network of MPAs is to be expanded.
Informed by the Expert Advisory report and consultation response, my Department intends to begin developing legislation on MPAs later in 2021. This work is likely to continue into 2022 so that, in accordance with the Programme for Government, Ireland can realise our outstanding target of 10% MPA coverage of our maritime area as soon as is practicable and also facilitate the achievement of our aim for 30% coverage by 2030.
