It is anticipated that a Marine Protected Area (MPA) may be designated on or off the South Wexford Coast area (image right).
Legislation is currently being prepared to enable the designation of MPAs in Irish waters. The general scheme of the MPA Bill was published on 16 December 2022 (https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/2fd71-general-scheme-of-marine-protected-areas-bill-2022/). On 7 October 2024, Minister Malcolm Noonan stated: “I hope to have the final draft published by the end of the year” (https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/0511f-minister-noonan-announces-25-million-investment-for-the-development-of-protected-areas-for-marine-biodiversity/).
Updates are available on the MPA webpage of the government’s website (https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/e00ec-marine-protected-areas/).