The Department of Housing Planning and Local Government of Ireland has launched a public consultation process on Ireland's first National Marine Planning Framework (NMPF) which applies to a broad range of marine activities including aquaculture, offshore renewable energy, sea fisheries and tourism. The NMPF provides a long-term framework for effective management of marine activities and more sustainable use of the Irish marine resources. It is intended to enable the Irish Government to set a clear direction for managing the seas, clarify objectives and priorities, and direct decision makers, users and stakeholders towards more strategic, plan-led and efficient use of marine resources.
Regional public events are being held to promote awareness and facilitate public and stakeholder participation on the Draft NMPF. Details for further events to be held in Killybegs, Bantry, Dungarvan, Dublin, and Wexford, will be made available in due course at www.marineplan.gov.ie.