{"id":10339,"date":"2026-09-16T09:30:36","date_gmt":"2026-09-16T08:30:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.maritimeregulator.ie\/?p=10339"},"modified":"2026-09-16T09:30:36","modified_gmt":"2026-09-16T08:30:36","slug":"mara-welcomes-minister-dooley-for-engagement-with-board","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.maritimeregulator.ie\/ga\/mara-welcomes-minister-dooley-for-engagement-with-board\/","title":{"rendered":"MARA welcomes Minister Dooley for Engagement with Board"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (MARA) was pleased to welcome Minister Timmy Dooley T.D, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and at the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment, to its offices on Tuesday 15th September for an engagement with the Authority\u2019s Board.<\/p>\n

The visit provided an opportunity for the Minister to meet with members of the Board and receive an update on MARA\u2019s progress, priorities and the important work being undertaken by the Authority in fulfilling its mandate.<\/p>\n

During the meeting, the Minister was briefed on MARA\u2019s work to date, including key developments in the regulation and management of Ireland\u2019s maritime area. Discussions also focused on the Authority\u2019s ongoing programme of work, operational priorities and its contribution to supporting the sustainable development and effective management of Ireland\u2019s valuable maritime resources.<\/p>\n

Welcoming the Minister, Mark Mellett, Vice Admiral DSM (RTD), Chair of the MARA Board, said:<\/p>\n

\u201cWe were delighted to welcome Minister Dooley to MARA and to have the opportunity to discuss the progress made by the Authority and the work underway across our organisation. The engagement was an important opportunity to outline our priorities and to reaffirm MARA\u2019s commitment to delivering effectively on our statutory responsibilities.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Pictured meeting the Board of the Maritime Area Regulatory Authority: Back (L-R) – James Massey; Kevin Kelly; Patrick Moran; Philip Daly; Minister Timmy Dooley T.D, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and at the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment; Mark Mellett, Vice Admiral DSM (RTD), Chairperson; Patrick Gibbons; Ciara Reynolds; Eugene Waters Front (L-R) \u2013 Niamh Kenny; Laura Brien, Chief Executive Officer; Karen Banks<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Minister Timmy Dooley T.D said:<\/p>\n

\u201cMARA has a vital role to play in supporting the sustainable development and effective management of Ireland\u2019s maritime area. The maritime sector is central to Ireland\u2019s economic, environmental and energy ambitions, and it is important that we have a strong, effective and well-governed regulatory framework in place to support its continued development.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Government remains committed to supporting Ireland\u2019s maritime sector and ensuring that we maximise the significant opportunities our maritime area presents, while protecting and sustainably managing this valuable national resource. I look forward to continuing to work with MARA as it progresses this important work.\u201d<\/p>\n

The meeting also provided an opportunity to discuss the opportunities and challenges facing Ireland\u2019s maritime area and the importance of continued collaboration between MARA, Government and stakeholders as the Authority progresses its work.<\/p>\n

MARA looks forward to continuing its engagement with the Minister, Government departments and stakeholders as it delivers on its mandate and supports the sustainable, effective and responsible management of Ireland\u2019s maritime area.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Notes:<\/p>\n