On attending the 10th our ocean conference in Busan, Korea €23.86 million was pledged by Ireland in support of actions that promote a healthy, sustainable marine environment. 

This pledge was announced live at the conference by Timmy Dooley, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and Minister of State at the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications.

Minister Timmy Dooley said:

“I am pleased to announce such a significant commitment pledge by Ireland. It reflects the government’s continued commitment to working collaboratively through many national and European projects, and initiatives, to ensure the sustainability of our oceans.”

According to the department’s statement, the funding will support a range of activities, including programmes that will support marine research to inform future species and biodiversity assessment, initiatives to address climate impacts in coastal areas, support for projects that will enable the advancement of digital ocean technologies, as well as reiterating Ireland’s commitment to delivering 30% protected area coverage of its maritime area by 2030.

Minister Dooley concluded:

“Ireland has a strong track record of advocating for sustainable ocean management. The commitments entered into today reiterate that position. I am confident they will support not just the responsible development of our oceans, but also support the continued development of Ireland’s coastal communities who are dependent on a sustainably managed seafood sector.”

While this pledge is a positive sign from Minister Dooley, Ireland is still awaiting the publication of the long overdue Marine Protected Areas (MPA) Bill. The minister is correct in saying that “Ireland has a strong track record of advocating for sustainable ocean management”, however, advocating alone without meaningful follow up actions at home has led to missed targets on MPAs, frustrated coastal and marine industries, when all the while time is ticking for the health of Ireland’s seas and the proper inclusion of coastal communities in decision making processes. 

This pledge along with the €25 Million MPA Life project is most certainly welcomed as a much needed investment towards Ireland’s efforts to restore the health of our seas. 

Minister Dooley now has the chance to turn the words and promises of many former government colleagues into action by prioritising and fully resourcing the publication of the Marine Protected Areas bill.

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