New era for marine planning in Ireland as MARA formally launched

The launch in Rosslare Europort this morning of the new Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (MARA) marks an exciting new era for sustainable marine planning and development, but Wind Energy Ireland has warned that MARA must be given the resources it needs to properly regulate the country’s marine area.

The new State agency will be responsible for licensing marine surveys and for deciding on applications from developers for Maritime Area Consents. This is a new type of lease from the Irish State for an area of the seabed and is required before applying for planning permission for a development, including offshore wind farms.

Noel Cunniffe, CEO of Wind Energy Ireland, said: “This is a huge day for marine planning in Ireland and for the future of our offshore wind industry. The success of MARA is directly linked to the sustainable development of the offshore wind farms we need to cut our carbon emissions and achieve energy independence.

“On behalf of Ireland’s wind energy industry I would like to congratulate the Government, and particularly Minister Darragh O’Brien TD, on the launch of MARA. I look forward to working with the incoming chairperson of MARA, Mark Mellett, its CEO Laura Brien, and their growing team working to protect and regulate Ireland’s marine space.”

Wind Energy Ireland emphasises the importance of ensuring MARA is appropriately resourced.

Noel Cunniffe continued: “Proper regulation and robust enforcement is priceless. We need to invest in MARA, and the other State agencies which have a responsibility for the development of offshore renewable energy, if we are to have a process in which communities, fishermen and industry can have confidence.

“MARA must be given the tools to do the job and I am confident that the commitment of this Government to MARA’s success will ensure it has what it needs.”