Press release from Ireland’s Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage:

‘Public consultation demonstrates strong support for expansion of Marine Protected Areas

The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage has today published the results of an independent review and analysis of its extensive public consultation undertaken on Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). The government aims to expand Ireland’s MPA network from 2.13% to 30% of Ireland’s maritime area by 2030.

The expansion of the Marine Protected Area (MPA) network will form about twice the size of our national landmass. With a strong response of over 2,300 individual submissions received by the department, the vast majority of respondents supported the expansion of Ireland’s MPA network and strongly supported the 30% target for coverage by 2030.

Highlighted results from consultation:

• the Programme for Government target of 30% of Irish waters to be protected by 2030 as part of the MPA network was supported; while the current level of protection (at approximately 2%) was not considered sufficient
• 93% of respondents support the inclusion of existing conservation sites into the national MPA network
• 91% support the key principles for the ongoing MPA process
• respondents noted information and data gaps along with deficits in education around marine protection
• respondents called for urgent action, based on evidence, along with increased research and resourcing, in order to protect our marine life and also the benefits to the economy and society that come from having a diverse and productive marine environment’

The press release can be found here, and the full Independent Analysis and Report on Marine Protected Area (MPA) Public Consultation Submissions can be found here.