What is a Pre-application?

A MUL pre-application is a meeting held with staff at MARA with the purpose of guiding and informing applicants on any queries relating to their application. These meetings are held on a non-statutory basis without prejudice to any future applications. This meeting is not a requirement of the overall MUL application, and MARA will be unable to say whether or not a MUL is likely to be granted at this meeting.

For the pre-application meeting to be most beneficial to the applicant, it is recommended that the pre-application meeting is held when the project is well advanced, and the applicant is preparing to make a MUL application.

 

How does it work?

To request a Pre-Application meeting, fill out the Pre-Application Consultation Request Form in the Maritime Usage Licence Application Toolkit.

Visit the Applying for a MUL page.

Alongside the form, please ensure that you have attached a map highlighting in red the proposed area of maritime area that will be subject to the application, and send to licence@mara.gov.ie.

Once the form is received, MARA will first consider the information set out in the request form. MARA will then be in touch with the applicant to arrange a meeting date.

Important points to consider before engaging with MARA

Before engaging with MARA, please have regard to the following points surrounding your application:

  • Location of activity. To be considered by MARA, the activity should fall within an area below the high water mark to the outer limit of the State’s continental shelf. (Appendix A of MUL Guidance)
  • Whether the development is permanent or temporary and whether it requires planning permission.
  • The expected timeframes of the project and estimated life cycle of the activity.
  • Whether the development or usage falls under Schedule 7 of the Maritime Area Planning Act 2021. Click to view all MUL information
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