Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 23 June 2022
209. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans to increase the marine protection areas to 30% by 2030; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28487/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is leading implementation of the process to expand Ireland's network of marine protected areas (MPAs) and the associated commitments in the Programme for Government, namely:
1. to develop comprehensive legislation that will enable MPA designation and management, and
2. to realise Ireland's outstanding target of 10% MPA coverage of our waters as soon as is practical, aiming for 30% coverage by 2030.
This work is being carried out in close consultation with other Departments and Agencies; with maritime stakeholders; coastal communities; representative organisations; and with the wider public.
The process underpinning this work began in October 2019 with the convening of an expert advisory group to provide independent advice and recommendations on the expansion of Ireland’s MPA network. The advisory group's comprehensive report was published in Irish and English in January 2021. This report, which includes the results and findings from a series of stakeholder consultations undertaken by the advisory group, was subject to a wider public consultation from February to July 2021. Over 2,300 submissions were received.
My Department now intends to commence work on the necessary legislation for an expanded network of MPAs. This legislation will be informed by the experts' advice and recommendations, and by the detailed feedback from public consultation.
Work on the General Scheme of an MPA Bill will continue into the autumn of 2022, with the aim of enacting the legislation in 2023. This legislation will be the mechanism by which Ireland's network of MPAs will be planned, designated and managed into the future.
