In January 2023 an independent advisory group was established by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to conduct an ecological sensitivity analysis of the western Irish Sea to inform future potential designation of MPAs (Marine Protection Areas) in the region. The advisory group’s report will be available shortly on the government’s website.
As a stakeholder in the marine environment of the Irish Sea, you are invited to an online webinar at which the results of the project will be presented. The webinar will take place on two occasions: from 2pm until 3.30pm on Mon 19 June, and from 2pm until 3.30pm on Fri 7 July. You would be very welcome to attend on either of these dates. Please note that the independent analytical work of the group was an initial scientific and ecological screening exercise. It will not directly lead to the selection and legal designation of MPAs. In the latter context, the General Scheme of the Marine Protected Areas Bill is currently before the Oireachtas and work on drafting the Bill is advancing. It is hoped that this legislation will come into force later this year. When that happens, a full MPA identification and designation process will be undertaken nationally based on the provisions of the legislation.
The webinar will provide all stakeholders with an overview of the study, its outcomes, and its key findings. There will be an opportunity to ask questions. To participate in this webinar, please register using one of the links below:
The sessions will be held via Zoom, and you will receive the link to your session upon registration.