Legislative Programme

Tuesday, 9 April 2024

Questions (696)

Pádraig O'Sullivan

Question:

696. 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. [15123/24]

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Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage

The general scheme of the Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) Bill was published in December 2022. Following the scrutiny of the Joint Oireachtas Committee, my Department has been working in close collaboration with parliamentary drafters to develop this Bill. While it was initially hoped to publish it in 2023, the legal and technical complexity associated with this ground breaking legislation has meant that drafting has taken longer than anticipated. However, drafting is now at an advanced stage and I expect that it will be ready for publication in the coming weeks.