A new authority has been established by the Government to regulate all maritime development and activity.
The Marine Area Regulatory Authority (MARA) has been described as "a significant milestone" in the State’s stewardship of its seas, including plans for renewable offshore energy infrastructure.
MARA’s role will include assessing applications for Maritime Area Consents which are required before developers of offshore wind operations and other projects can make a planning application.
It will also be responsible for granting licences for other activities such as dredging and port development.
According to the Government, the establishment of the authority represents the beginning of phase two of Ireland’s "all-government approach" to renewable offshore energy and will determine how we develop this resource.
The authority officially goes "live" next Monday, 17 July, when it will start taking applications for maritime activity.
"Ireland has one of the highest sea-to-land ratios in Europe and today marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in how Ireland will manage that resource," MARA CEO Laura Brien said at the launch of the authority in Rosslare Europort.
"MARA’s remit is wide-ranging, reflecting the diverse marine resource that we will steward for this generation and the ones to come."
Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage Darragh O’Brien said delivery of offshore energy will be "crucial as we strive towards our climate goals over the next few years" and that MARA will provide the "regulation and clarity" that this emerging industry needs.
Rosslare also hosted the launch of the Designated Maritime Area Plan proposal for offshore renewable energy (ORE), which will determine the broad area where ORE projects can be developed and will act as a management plan for a specific area of Ireland's offshore wind potential.
The first DMAP will cover the south coast and, according to Minister for the Environment, Eamon Ryan, "will offer the best approach to protect local marine environments, fishing communities and boost local community development".
There will also be comprehensive opportunities for public engagement, he said.
The Government's National Industrial Strategy for Offshore Wind is due to be published in the first quarter of next year and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Simon Coveney said today that this will allow an environment for a burgeoning wind energy industry to thrive.
"The provision of abundant, competitively priced renewable energy can be a key strategic competitive advantage for Ireland’s future."
As well as assessing Maritime Area Consent applications for the maritime area, MARA will grant marine licences for specified activities; be responsible for monitoring compliance and enforcement of those consents; and lead investigations and prosecutions.
