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/).