A Shared and Changing Sea Space

Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) in Ireland is being delivered through the Marine Planning Policy Statement and the National Marine Planning Framework (NMPF). A Marine Plan for Northern Ireland is under development and takes a broadly similar approach. The Irish Lights safety of navigation service is an important enabler for MSP and responsible use of the shared marine space. The period of this strategy will see increased use of our maritime space as Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) rollout commences, and DMAP (Designated Marine Area Plans), and MPA (Marine Protected Areas) are defined. Direct impacts will include new physical infrastructure, increases in vessel numbers and traffic density, and additional regulatory requirements. This will affect all sectors including commercial, fishing, and leisure.

There will also be an increase in Local Aids to Navigation and referrals arising from consenting activities. Scrutiny of development applications submitted to An Bord Pleanála, The Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (MARA), and Local Authorities, will be a significant task as will ensuring compliance with existing and emerging environmental regulations.

This strategy has been prepared with MSP at its core and recognises that a more planned and regulated maritime environment will develop across the period of the strategy.

The provisions of the Maritime Area Planning Act (MAP Act) and the establishment of MARA have brought significant improvements to the regulation of activity in Ireland’s maritime area out to the limits of the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The regulatory role of Irish Lights is recognised in this legislation. Irish Lights has a constant presence on the sea and in key coastal locations and collaborates with other agencies as required.