Press release
Public consultation demonstrates strong support for expansion of Marine Protected Areas
From Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage
Published on
Last updated on
The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage has today published the results of an independent review and analysis of its extensive public consultation undertaken on Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). The government aims to expand Ireland’s MPA network from 2.13% to 30% of Ireland’s maritime area by 2030.
The expansion of the Marine Protected Area (MPA) network will form about twice the size of our national landmass. With a strong response of over 2,300 individual submissions received by the department, the vast majority of respondents supported the expansion of Ireland’s MPA network and strongly supported the 30% target for coverage by 2030.
Highlighted results from consultation:
Informed by the extensive evidence accrued from this public consultation and the MPA process undertaken so far, the department has begun developing stand-alone legislation to enable the identification, designation and management of MPAs in accordance with Ireland’s national and international commitments.
MPAs are geographically defined maritime areas with certain protections for conservation purposes. Expanding Ireland’s MPA network will constitute a major change in marine environmental protection in Ireland. At present, there is no definition of an MPA in Irish law. Environmental protections under the Wildlife Acts only apply to the foreshore. Protection in marine areas beyond 12 nautical miles is limited, both in terms of space and species. In addition to conserving marine species and habitats, MPAs can support maritime economic activity and reduce the effects of climate change and ocean acidification.
Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage Darragh O’Brien today emphasised:
“Many valuable views and perspectives, covering all stakeholders and the public in general, have been highlighted through this public consultation. The strong support for the MPA process, expressed through these submissions, is a positive indication that stakeholders and the wider public are keenly interested in having a clean, healthy, diverse and productive marine environment. I thank all of those who made a submission for their time, their insights and their substantive input. This is an urgent issue and my department is making strides in the protection of our maritime area. In December the Maritime Area Planning Bill, which represents the biggest reform of marine governance since the foundation of the State, was enacted. We are also progressing the establishment of the Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (MARA) as a matter of urgency.”
Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform Malcolm Noonan said:
“It is heartening to see such widespread support for the expansion of Ireland’s Marine Protected Area Network, which will give vital protection to much-loved marine species, habitats and features and support the sustainable use of our seas. Over the course of this consultation, my department has engaged with many groups such as environmental organisations, the fisheries sector and those living in coastal areas. I was really pleased to be able to meet with many of them myself over the summer – from Donegal to Waterford to West Cork to Kerry. It’s vitally important that we listen and engage positively with all stakeholders as we develop MPA legislation, and this is very much what we’re focussed on at the moment. I’d like to thank everyone who contributed to the consultation, and look forward to continuing the conversation over the coming months and years as we work to ensure that the benefits of increased protection for marine life are enjoyed by everyone.”
The full Independent Analysis and Report on Marine Protected Area (MPA) Public Consultation Submissions can be found at this location and below:
In the autumn of 2019, the Department of Housing, Local Government, and Heritage initiated a process aimed at expanding Ireland’s network of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in the coming years.
An expert Advisory Group was established to provide independent expert advice and recommendations on expanding Ireland’s MPA network.
The report of the Advisory Group, titled ‘Expanding Ireland’s Marine Protected Area Network’ was published in January 2021. A public consultation on the Advisory Group report and the wider MPA process was undertaken in tandem with the detailed consideration of the report by the Ministers and department.
This extensive public consultation undertaken in 2021 encouraged all stakeholders and the wider public to get involved in the process by sharing their views and opinions on how Ireland’s network of MPAs will be expanded into the future. Focus group meetings, presentations and bilateral meetings were held in order to promote the consultation among key stakeholder groups and the public.
A total of 2,311 responses to the public consultation were received by the department, with the highest percentage of responses to the consultation’s online survey portal coming from the Environmental sector, followed by Education, Health and Fisheries. A very wide range of representative bodies, organisations and enterprises also made submissions to the consultation.