The Regulatory Framework for Marine Protected Areas in Ireland

The aim of this paper is to provide conference delegates with an overview of the regulatory framework for Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in Ireland during a pivotal time for marine policy, which has included significant recent legislative developments, such as the creation of a new maritime planning framework via the Maritime Area Planning Act in 2021, and government approval of a General Scheme of a Bill for Marine Protected Areas in December 2022, which is undergoing legislative scrutiny and due to be enacted in 2023. This paper will sketch out the status of the regulatory framework in Ireland for MPAs leading up to the introduction of new legislation in 2023, highlighting potential challenges along the way.