The Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (MARA) was formally established on 17 July 2023. This new stage agency, whose functions are set out in the Maritime Area Planning Acts 2021 and 2022, will play a key role in the new streamlined consenting system for the maritime area. MARA is responsible for regulating development and activity in Ireland’s maritime area and its role will include assessing applications for Maritime Area Consents (MACs), which are required before developers of offshore wind and other projects in the maritime area can make a planning application. It is responsible for granting licences for certain activities in the maritime area.
The information requested is a matter for MARA. Arrangements have been put in place by all bodies under the aegis of my Department to facilitate the provision of information directly to members of the Oireachtas. This provides a speedy, efficient and cost effective system to address queries directly to the relevant bodies. The contact email address for MARA in this regard is info@mara.gov.ie