MARA launched in Rosslare Europort

In July, the Government officially launched the Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (MARA), which will be headquartered in Wexford.

This marks 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. 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 planning application. It will also be responsible for granting licences for certain activities in the maritime area.

MARA to provide regulation and clarity

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien TD, officially launched the new regulatory authority at an event in Rosslare Europort.

“We now begin the second phase of our all-of-Government approach to the development of offshore renewable energy,” he said. “Delivery of offshore renewable energy will be crucial as we strive towards our climate goals over the next few years. MARA will provide the regulation and clarity that this emerging industry needs and govern our extensive maritime resource and contribute to our nation’s sustainable future.”

Governance of maritime resources

Chief Executive Officer of MARA, Laura Brien, added: “MARA’s remit is wide-ranging, reflecting the diverse marine resource that we will steward for this generation and the ones to come. MARA is confident in our ability to support the governance of our maritime resources. In achieving this, we look forward to working with the wide range of stakeholders in the seafood, tourism, transportation as well as offshore renewable energy sectors to deliver on our role.”