About our Compliance and Enforcement work
MARA takes a risk-based approach in carrying out the compliance assessment and enforcement of:
- Maritime Area Consents (MAC)
- Marine Usage Licences (MUL)
- Leases and licences previously issued under the Foreshore Act of 1933
- Conditions of offshore development permission issued by An Bord Pleanála
This includes handling of queries and complaints relating to these authorisations, and any associated revenue collection.
MARA’s remit is in the area extending from the high water mark to the outer limits of the Irish Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Costal Planning Authorities have an enforcement role in the nearshore (within 3mn of the shore).
MARA manages queries or complaints about:
Activities taking place without the correct or any authorisation
There are a wide range of activities which require authorisation from MARA, a listing of some of these may be found on the relevant pages (MAC & MUL).
Note that activities may also need planning from the Local Authority or from An Bord Pleanála.
Here are some Frequently Asked Questions.
Activities that breach existing authorisations
The authorisations may include:
- Maritime Area Consent (MAC) issued by MARA. Applications Determined
- Maritime Usage Licence (MUL) issued by MARA. Applications Determined
- Foreshore Lease or Licence. These consents previously issued under the Foreshore Act of 1933 are enforced by MARA.
- Conditions of planning granted by An Bord Pleanála. These conditions are enforced by MARA. Note that planning granted by a coastal planning authority is enforced by that local authority.
Before submitting a compliance and enforcement Complaints Form to MARA:
- Check if the activity is in an area regulated by MARA?
- Check if the activity is the responsibility of another agency/department? See our FAQ page for listing of other agencies/departments.
- Check if this activity needs a MAC/MUL consent?
- Check if this activity already has a MAC/MUL/FS consent?
- Check if the activity relates to a coastal planning authority? See our FAQ page for a list of coastal planning authorities.
To complete and submit a compliance and enforcement Complaints Form to MARA.
Click on the image to the left to download the form and return it with any evidence and/or supporting materials to compliance@mara.gov.ie
Contact the Compliance and Enforcement Team
The best way to get in touch with us in the first instance is via e-mail. The following addresses will link you directly with the team.
For compliance or enforcement related issues within the Maritime Area in regards to Maritime Area Consents (MAC), Maritime Usage Licences (MUL), Foreshore Licences and Offshore Development Consents | |
For queries relating to revenue collection, |