News

The Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (MARA) welcomes the Oireachtas’ approval of the South Coast Designated Maritime Area Plan (DMAP). This first forward spatial plan for offshore renewable energy marks a new chapter in managing our maritime area clearly outlining a plan lead approach for how the State will manage Ireland’s rich maritime resources in a sustainable and responsible manner. This plan represents the culmination of collaboration, and consultation with stakeholders across industry, government, communities and environmental organisations. Laura Brien, CEO […]

The Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (MARA) has on 6th September 2024, launched a call for assistance in designing a framework which it will use for awarding MACs on the basis of a competitive process. The Closing date for receipt of tenders in respect of this call is 12 noon on Monday 14th October 2024. Further details available on eTenders.gov.ie at CfT: The Design of a Framework for Competitive Award of Maritime Area Consents

The 17 July 2024 will mark a year of operations for the Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (MARA). During the past 12 months the Board of MARA has been governing the organisation and preparing to deliver its first statement of strategy. MARA’s engagement process continues to develop and the Board, recently took the opportunity to gain further understanding of the diverse perspectives across our stakeholder ecosystem. At a recent visit to Galway, the first board away day, the Board took in

Important Update: Deadline to apply for MACs under section 75A of the Maritime Area Planning Act 2021 The deadline for applying for a MAC in accordance with Section 75A(1) is 17th July 2024 and, applicants are reminded to ensure completed applications accompanied by the specific fees need to be submitted before the deadline. Section 278 of the Historic a nd Archaeological Heritage and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023 amends the Maritime Area Planning Act 2021 (the Act) by the insertion of

To celebrate European Maritime Day and World Ocean Day, Wexford County Council, The Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (MARA), Tomhaggard Clean Coasts Group and the local community came together to carry out a community clean at the Burrow beach in Kilmore Quay  last Friday (7th June). European Maritime Day and World Ocean Day seek to raise awareness of our seas and their importance and provides opportunities for all to learn about our incredible coastal habitats and take action for ocean health.

The detection of Unexploded Ordnance is a maritime safety issue and falls under the remit of the Irish Coast Guard (IRCG). MARA has no responsibility for the management of UXO in the maritime area but must be notified if UXO is identified. If UXO is identified, you must contact An Garda Síochána on 999/112 and you will be connected to the Regional Control Centre where you must report the location and all other relevant details. The designated Superintendent of An

MARA’s submission to the recent public consultation by the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications on the Draft Offshore Renewable Energy Future Framework Policy Statement is available at the following link: MARA-submission-to-FFPS-Feb.-2024.

Ireland’s relationship with the sea has helped define our nation’s culture and history. Our seas are a critical part of our identify as an Island nation. They are part of what makes us who we are. MARA – the Maritime Area Regulatory Authority, is an important part of that new National Marine Planning Framework. We were established in July 2023 as the state agency which will act as the regulator of the maritime area for the benefit of current and

MARA is a new State agency with responsibility for licencing certain marine activities including: To understand the impact such activities may have on the marine environment, MARA has initiated a study with the Marine Institute. The output of this study, expected Q1 2024, will inform MARA if changes in the licence regime are warranted.  If so, MARA will engage with the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to prioritise drafting legislative amendments to exempt some ‘low risk’ activities that

The Government has today (13th July 2023) officially launched the Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (MARA), marking a significant milestone in the State’s stewardship of the maritime area including plans for renewable offshore energy development. The newly established authority will be responsible for regulating development and activity in Ireland’s maritime area and its role will include assessing applications for Maritime Area Consents (MACs), which are required before developers of offshore wind and other projects in the maritime area can make a