Irelands Maritime Area

Ireland’s relationship with the sea has helped define our nation’s culture and history. Our seas are a critical part of our identity as an island nation with a maritime area seven times the size of our landmass. They are part of what makes us who we are.

Ireland’s maritime area is of strategic national importance. It holds enormous potential as a food source and for offshore renewable energy source. It supports, marine biodiversity, sustainable transport, aquaculture, as 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 environmental protection.

We understand that Ireland’s ambitions for the diverse needs of all users of the maritime space are contingent on delivering a fit for purpose authorisation and regulatory regime.

See some examples of maritime activities and developments that require maritime authorisations in the graphic below.