Ireland’s Strategy strengthens commitment to Ocean Protection

Eva Lambert | 21 October, 2025 |

Government commits to statutory designation and management of MPAs (Marine Protected Areas) under new DCEE (Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment) Strategy 2025–2028.

The Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment (DCEE) has released its Statement of Strategy 2025–2028, setting the direction for how Ireland will deliver on climate, energy, and environmental commitments over the coming years. Titled Le Chéile 28 – Deliver, Improve, Transform, the plan outlines five strategic goals aimed at accelerating climate action, transforming Ireland’s energy systems, protecting natural resources, and enhancing Ireland’s environmental resilience.

Among its key priorities, the strategy makes a landmark pledge to “provide for the statutory designation and management of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)”, This marks a decisive step toward the long-awaited enactment of comprehensive MPA legislation, a cornerstone of Ireland’s efforts to safeguard its rich marine biodiversity and deliver on national and EU conservation targets.

However, while this commitment is welcome, it follows years of repeated promises and delays in progressing the MPA Bill. The urgency to turn words into law has never been greater, and stakeholders across Ireland will be watching closely for meaningful and timely action.

A Turning Point for Ocean Protection

The document explicitly recognises the need to ensure the long-term understanding, protection and sustainable management of Ireland’s natural resources, including its marine environment, critical minerals, and inland fisheries.

This commitment aligns directly with Sustainable Development Goals 14 (Life Below Water) and 15 (Life on Land), reinforcing Ireland’s obligation to safeguard ocean biodiversity while advancing sustainable development and climate resilience.

From Policy to Implementation

Ireland’s marine waters are home to more than 25 species of whales and dolphins, globally significant seabird populations, and diverse seafloor habitats. Yet, less than 9% of our maritime area is currently designated as protected, well below the Government’s target of protecting 30% of our ocean by 2030.

The Department’s new strategy provides the framework to close this gap, moving from aspiration to statutory protection and effective management. It commits to evidence-based policy, marine research, and stronger coordination across national and international frameworks such as the Marine Strategy Framework Directive and the OSPAR North-East Atlantic Environment Strategy 2030.

Fair Seas emphasises that successful implementation will depend on robust legislation, adequate resourcing, and genuine collaboration between Government, scientists, and coastal communities. Ensuring these areas are not only designated but also effectively managed and ecologically representative is essential.

Without the long-promised MPA Bill being enacted soon, Ireland risks falling further behind its EU and global commitments, and missing a crucial opportunity to protect its ocean heritage for future generations.

Aligning Conservation and Renewable Energy

The DCEE’s strategy provides a framework to achieve this through statutory mechanisms, research investment, and evidence-based policy. It also recognises the role of marine spatial planning, the Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (MARA), and commits to delivering a national spatial plan for offshore renewable energy (Designated Maritime Area Plan – DMAP), all of which must operate in harmony with ecological protection.

A Shared Vision for a Thriving Ocean

For Fair Seas, the DCEE’s commitment represents a major milestone in Ireland’s journey towards healthy, well-managed seas. The Statement of Strategy 2025–2028 offers a roadmap for a cleaner, greener future, one where Ireland’s ocean health is seen not as a standalone issue, but as the foundation of our climate and economic resilience.

By embedding Marine Protected Areas within the core of its national environmental strategy, Ireland is hopefully setting a course for stronger ocean governance, resilient ecosystems, and sustainable communities.