SETU and Maritime Area Regulatory Authority sign strategic cooperation agreement
17 September 2025
Wexford, Ireland
South East Technological University (SETU) and the Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (MARA) have signed a strategic cooperation agreement with the aim of advancing Ireland’s maritime sector.
MARA, a state agency established in 2023 under the Maritime Area Planning Acts 2021, as amended, plays a central role in the regulation of Ireland’s maritime area by assessing and granting maritime area consents and maritime usage licenses. For SETU, collaborating with key organisations and industry in its region is central to the university’ mission to drive regional and national impact.
With the rapid expansion of Ireland’s offshore renewable energy sector, there is an increased need for research, innovation, and specialist skills development that SETU can provide in collaboration with MARA.
As part of the cooperation agreement, both organisations will work together on projects of mutual interest, promoting the development of educational programmes related to Ireland’s maritime area. It will also focus on connecting with key stakeholders at national and international levels.
Speaking at the signing, Professor Veronica Campbell, President of SETU, said, “SETU’s agreement with MARA is a significant step forward in aligning our educational and research strengths with Ireland’s maritime and offshore renewable energy ambitions. SETU is the first higher education institution to sign such an agreement with MARA, and I look forward to our collaborative work together as we strengthen Ireland’s maritime sector.”
“SETU has a unique role to play in supporting skills development, generating research, and providing expertise to industry and government in this area. Through our collaboration with MARA, we can ensure that our students, researchers, and regional stakeholders are engaged with a crucial element of the future energy needs and sustainability of our country,” Prof. Campbell concluded.
The partnership includes provisions for joint initiatives such as curriculum development, collaborative research, data and knowledge exchange, and the promotion of both organisations’ roles in Ireland’s offshore wind and wider maritime economy.
Laura Brien, CEO MARA, said at the signing “As an agency based in the southeast, MARA is delighted to be collaborating with SETU. The importance of Ireland’s maritime area both from an environmental and economic perspective is something that needs to be recognised and enhanced. Co-operation such as this one between the regulator of the maritime area and a university committed to aligning educational and research strengths with Ireland’s maritime ambitions is an obvious way to ensure this. I greatly look forward to working with SETU in this regard.”
The agreement provides a foundation for ongoing resource-sharing and collaboration between SETU and MARA. Both organisations are committed to reviewing the partnership on a continual basis to ensure emerging needs are met.
