The Irish Government has reaffirmed a pledge to protect 30 per cent of Ireland's marine areas by 2030.

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien TD, reaffirmed the original commitment made by Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan, at a European Commission Seminar in Malahide, Dublin.

Mr O'Brien addressed an audience of delegates from nine Member States at the seminar and highlighted Ireland's significant progress in meeting the targets to protect marine areas as outlined in the EU Biodiversity Strategy 2030.

The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) together with the European Commission is hosting the three-day seminar.

The event brings Member States together to asses progress on the EU Biodiversity Strategy, a long term plan that is designed to protect nature and reverse the degradation of ecosystems. The strategy contains targets for a larger EU–wide network of protected areas on land and sea.

Included in the EU Biodiversity Strategy is the legal protection of at least 30 per cent of EU terrestrial and marine areas by 2030. Member States have been requested by the European Commission to supply voluntary pledges that will contribute to the strategy's protected areas.

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Speakers at the event include a range of national and European NGOs such as scientific experts and government officials from across Europe who have outlined their own pledges. Also attending the event is Andrea Vettori, Head of the Nature Conservation Unit at the EU's DG Environment and the EU Commission.

Minister O'Brien said: "I would like to thank the European Commission for inviting Ireland to host this timely seminar which focuses on one of our most precious resources – our seas. Ireland has an extensive marine area that is rich in biodiversity and provides huge benefits for health and well-being, supports a myriad of coastal communities and is an important component of climate adaptation.

"We have signalled our intention to meet these targets by increasing the marine area in our Natura Network from just over 2% of our waters two years ago, to almost 10% today. New legislation, the Marine Protected Areas Bill is also in progress which will legally underpin the designation of Marine Protected Areas. These actions, along with my Department’s pledge here today demonstrate real commitment to protecting our marine biodiversity."

Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan TD said: "Ireland is proud and determined not just to play its part, but to lead in protecting our irreplaceable marine biodiversity.

"Natura sites play a key role in protecting biodiversity, including large numbers of seabirds. Recently we notified new Natura sites - two large offshore reef Special Area of Conservation (SAC) sites and a large Special Protection Area (SPA) on the east coast. In doing this, we are protecting vulnerable birds and species, and increasing our network of marine protected areas.

"Reversing the decline of our biodiversity requires practical action from all of us – governments, civil society, the scientific community and members of the public. Ireland can and will lead by example."