Proposed Legislation

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 October 2023

Tuesday, 17 October 2023

Questions (334)

Pádraig O'Sullivan

Question:

334. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the status of the Marine Protected Areas Bill 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45147/23]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

My Department has been working in close collaboration with Parliamentary drafters over the past months to develop the Marine Protected Area (MPA) Bill. I anticipate that the Bill will be published before the end of the year.

The Government is committed to achieving 30% Marine Protected Area (MPA) coverage of Ireland's Maritime Area by 2030, in line with the Programme for Government, the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030, and a number of International initiatives such as the UN post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework. This proposed legislation will provide us with the tool to achieve this while, along with the Maritime Area Planning Act, ensuring sustainable use of the sea.