Gaeilge

Search gov.ie

Press release

Campaign to appoint board members of Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (MARA) gets underway

A campaign to appoint the Chairperson and Members to the Board of the new Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (MARA) has commenced.

The Maritime Area Planning (MAP) Act 2021, enacted in December 2021, provides for the establishment of a new state agency, to be known as the Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (MARA), which will be responsible for regulating development and activity in Ireland’s maritime area. The intention is to have MARA established in early 2023.

MARA will be responsible for:

  • the granting of all Maritime Area Consents, or MACs, for the maritime area
  • marine licensing for specified activities
  • compliance and enforcement of MACs, licences and offshore development consents
  • administration of the Foreshore consent portfolio of the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

The new regulatory authority, which will be based in Wexford, will be responsible for assessing applications for consents in the maritime area prior to projects applying for planning permission, for example: offshore wind projects, water and waste water infrastructure, bridges, marinas, coastal protection works, flood relief works and undersea telecommunications cables and power interconnectors.

MARA’s regulatory role will also encompass granting licences for activities in the maritime area (including environmental surveys), and ensuring robust compliance through enforcement measures.

MARA will operate under the aegis of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage but will be independent of the department in the performance of its functions. However, the importance of MARA was emphasised today by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage Darragh O’Brien:

“As an island nation, our seas and our ocean are absolutely crucial for Ireland. Our maritime area is seven times the size of our landmass, and it supports our economy, inward and outward trade, our energy supply and communications systems - as well as our climate, our environment, our cultural traditions and heritage, our health and well-being.

"The Maritime Area Planning Act 2021 established in law a new marine planning system underpinned by a statutory Marine Planning Policy Statement, guided by the National Marine Planning Framework. This legislation puts in place a comprehensive and coherent planning system for our entire Maritime Area.

"One of the most important elements of this is the establishment of a Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (MARA). Having a chair and board in place soon will be an important milestone during this period of great change in how the State manages its maritime space, especially given MARA’s important role as a key enabler in respect of Ireland’s ambitions for the offshore renewable energy sector as a direct response to the energy and climate crises.”

More information and details on the application processare available at the State Boards website.

Contact our Press Office:

Part of

Policies