Mark Costello, MPA Europe Coordinator, was one of three scientists invited to present to a “Marine Protected Areas briefing” to the Irish parliament group “Oireachtas Friends of Science & Technology”.

The objective behind this briefing was “to provide Members of the Oireachtas with an insight into the potential and challenges faced by the proposed designations from some of the leading marine experts in this field. Ireland is among one of the EU’s largest countries when our Marine Territory is considered. Ireland has an immense responsibility for the stewardship of this area; therefore, this legislation represents a significant move toward fulfilling our obligations. This bill represents a move towards legal certainty and clarity on MPAs in Ireland. As MPAs are areas which are managed to achieve specific conservation objectives, activities may be permitted therein.”

Twenty-one elected politicians attended the briefing, and this will inform how they move forward with the proposed “Marine Protected Areas Act 2023” legislation and practice in Ireland.

Relevant Documents:

Report on the Pre-Legislative Scrutiny of the General Scheme of the Marine Protected Areas Bill 2023

General Scheme of the Marine Protected Areas Bill