Photo by Jean Vella

The Irish Government has been criticised for delays to marine protection legislation as environmental groups warn the country is falling behind on its commitment to protect marine habitats.

A coalition of environmental organisations told the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Fisheries and Maritime Affairs on 13 January that Ireland is falling behind on its commitment to protect marine habitats.

30% target at risk

Ireland has pledged to protect 30% of its seas by 2030, but less than 10% are currently designated as protected. Existing areas lack adequate management plans, leaving marine ecosystems vulnerable to damage from human activity.

Fair Seas Campaign Coordinator, Dr Dónal Griffin, said: “The scientific evidence is clear, Ireland’s marine ecosystems face increasing pressure from climate change, habitat loss, overfishing and pollution and must be protected.”

Marine Policy and Engagement Officer Grace Carr warned: “Ireland faces a narrow and urgent window to put in place Marine Protected Area legislation that is credible, effective and capable of delivering for nature and society. The progress must be accelerated, and the forthcoming legislation must have strong and binding targets, a robust management framework, and high-quality stakeholder participation that includes our coastal communities.”

Legislative delays

The Government first promised a stand-alone MPA Bill in 2023, but progress has stalled. Responsibility for Marine Protected Areas has shifted to the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment, which now plans to integrate MPA designation into the Designated Maritime Area legislation.

Minister of State Timmy Dooley suggested that it will be the middle of 2026 before the Heads of the Bill are brought before the Government, which is just the first step in drafting the necessary legislation.

Fair Seas criticised the Government’s intention to scale back its commitment to stand-alone marine protection legislation in favour of amending existing Marine Spatial Planning legislation as “a worrying development in the protection of Ireland’s seas”.

Fishing industry concerns

Irish fishermen have issued a stark warning that Marine Protected Areas must be designed with their full involvement or risk devastating coastal communities. At the Joint Committee meeting, industry representatives voiced anger over legislative delays and fears that decisions will be imposed without meaningful consultation.

John Lynch, Chief Executive of the Seafood Ireland Alliance, declared: “We cannot afford a raft of MPAs that make things worse. Our members want full involvement in co-design and co-management. The only way this will succeed is by including everybody in the development, design, and management of MPAs.”

Cost of delays

Fair Seas previously estimated Ireland could protect 30% of its seas by 2030 with an investment of about €55 million between 2024 and 2030, with €7 million required in the first 12 months to meet the interim goal of effectively protecting and managing 10% of Ireland’s ocean, a milestone yet to be achieved.

Emma Armshaw, marine and coastal policy officer for the Sustainable Water Network, said: “What’s missing is political will and decisive Government action to introduce MPA legislation and make it clear how they plan to fund it. The ocean is under threat, but it can recover if we act now. The longer the action is delayed, the steeper the costs will climb.”

Dr Simon Berrow, CEO of the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group, stated: “After considerable legislative delays, there is growing concern that government commitments are little more than words. Budget 2026 is the opportunity to prove otherwise.”

Ireland’s lagging position

Ireland is the last country in Europe to designate Marine Protected Areas. The marine protected legislation would likely have made destructive fishing processes such as bottom trawling illegal in 30% of Irish waters.

Carr concluded: “If we fail to act now, then the environmental, social and economic costs of further delays will be significant. We are ready to work constructively with the Committee, Government and all stakeholders to ensure Ireland delivers an MPA network that is effective, fair, and fit for the future.”