The Maritime Area Planning Bill 2021 has been published which looks to put in place a comprehensive and coherent planning system for the entire Maritime Area.

The Bill was published yesterday, Monday 16 August, after being approved at Cabinet on 29 June and confirmed by An Taoiseach Michéal Martin TD on 01 July 2021, alongside Ministers Darragh O'Brien TD, Eamon Ryan TD and Peter Burke TD at the Commissioners for Irish Lights Headquarters in Dún Laoghaire.

This legislation calls for the formation of a forward planning regime for the maritime area, along with a new streamlined development management system for the maritime area incorporating consenting for the occupation of the maritime area and a new planning consenting regime. It will also see the establishment of a new agency, the Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (MARA) to manage the occupation of the maritime area and to enforce the provisions of the new regime.

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Commenting on the Maritime Area Planning Bill, the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O'Brien TD, said: "My Department is leading an extensive marine management reform programme, the likes of which the State has never seen. The Maritime Area Planning Bill, which Cabinet has approved, is further evidence of this Government's intent to modernise the State's approach to marine management. It will represent a giant leap forward towards meeting our ambitious climate action goals and targets."

Minister for the Environment, Climate, Communications and Transport, Eamon Ryan TD, added: "Ireland's ocean area is home to an amazing array of marine life. Our offshore wind resources represent a real opportunity for us to break free from fossil fuels and reach our ambitious climate goals. My department has been closely involved in the development of this legislation, which will create a streamlined planning and consent regime. We are determined that as we develop our resources, we do so in a way that protects and restores our marine environment and its biodiversity."