1 December 2025: The Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (MARA), today published its first Annual Report covering the period from establishment on the 17 July 2023 to year end 2024. The publication marks a significant governance milestone for MARA as an independent State agency.
The annual report gives an overview of progress during the first 18 months of operation, highlighting some of MARA’s key achievements during that period:
- Developed processes and systems to support issuing Maritime Area Consents (MAC) and Maritime Usage Licences (MUL),
- Established the basis on which holders will pay for MACs,
- Issued its first maritime authorisations,
- Transitioned the responsibility for managing the existing foreshore estate from DCEE to MARA,
- Initiated opportunities for co-operation including the establishment of the Maritime Regulatory Liaison Group,
- Launched its first Strategic Plan 2024 – 2027,
- Recruited a skilled team and opened MARA’s HQ in Drinagh, Wexford,
MARA’s Chairperson, Mark Mellett, Vice Admiral DSM (Rtd) said:
“Ireland’s maritime area is of strategic national importance and it holds enormous potential. It supports, marine biodiversity, renewable energy, sustainable transport, aquaculture, and so much more. MARA’s role is to manage the State’s maritime jurisdiction in a way that is congruent with Government Policy supporting Ireland’s climate action goals, economic development, and environment protection. MARA’s first annual report shows how MARA has put in place the structures, staff and regulations to support MARA’s vision for a well-regulated maritime space.”
MARA’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Laura Brien joined MARA’s Chairperson in noting the achievement. MARA’s CEO said:
“Publishing our first annual report is an important milestone in the development of MARA and demonstrates our commitment to transparency and accountability. During the first 18 months of operations, MARA’s priority was to recruit staff and establish sound regulatory policies and procedures to fulfil its mandate.
The report captures not only the organisational progress but the wider strategic significance of MARA’s role in shaping Ireland’s maritime future. As delivery of MARA’s strategic plan is progressed, MARA is determined to grow into a world-class maritime regulator, ensuring Ireland’s ocean space is developed and protected for the benefit of current and future generations.”
The Chairperson and CEO concluded:
“We acknowledge the support of the Board, MARA’s dedicated staff and the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment to deliver on MARA’s important mandate. MARA is grateful to all our stakeholders, whose input and collaboration will remain central to the Authority’s work in the years ahead.”
Notes
The MARA Annual Report 2024 is now available on the MARA website in both English and Irish.