Summary
A core function of MARA is the administration of Maritime Area Consents (MACs), which are required under the MAPA 2021 in Ireland for occupying a part of the maritime area for specific purposes. A holder of a MAC is required to pay MARA an annual levy, based on the levy framework established in accordance with the MAPA 2021 (Section 167(b)).
Another core function of MARA is the administration of the Foreshore leases and licences determined under the Foreshore Act 1933 as amended. The MAC levy is used to inform rent reviews for such authorisations, to ensure that there is consistency between payments made under MACs and foreshore consents.
MARA’s current levy framework was established in 2023, and MARA is obliged to keep the levy framework under review and may amend it as it thinks fit in accordance with the MAPA 2021. This review is being carried out by Indecon International Economic and Strategic Consultants, to support MARA’s assessment of whether the current framework is fit-for-purpose, transparent, proportionate, and competitive on an international basis.
This consultation document invites views from all stakeholders, including current and potential MAC holders, industry representatives, sectoral experts, and the public, on the future design of the MAC Levy Framework. Your feedback is crucial to ensuring the revised framework is robust, fair, and supports the sustainable development of Ireland’s maritime area.
How to make a submission
The deadline for making a submission is 5pm on Monday 23rd February 2026.
Please send your submission by email to consultation@mara.gov.ie with the subject line “MAC Levy Framework Review” or by post, with “MAC Levy Framework Review” written on the envelope, to:
MAC Levy Framework Review
Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (MARA)
2nd Floor
Menapia House
Drinagh Business Park
Drinagh
Wexford
Y35 RF29
MAC Levy Framework Review – Consultation Document
The full details in relation to the MAC Levy Framework Review and the Consultation Questions are contained in the attached report.
Please CLICK HERE to download in PDF
Data Protection
We are committed to engaging with stakeholders in a clear, open and transparent manner. Any person or organisation can make a submission in relation to this consultation. We will consider all submissions and feedback before we publish the final evaluation. Your response to this consultation is subject to:
Your response to this consultation is subject to:
- the Freedom of Information Act 2014 (FOI)
- the Access to Information on the Environment Regulations 2007-2018 (AIE)
- the Data Protection Act 2018
Analysis and Publication of responses
All responses received by MARA will be shared with Indecon who have been engaged to analyse the contents of submissions. We intend to publish the contents of all submissions received to our consultations on our website. We will redact (remove) personal data before publication. Please indicate any sensitive information in your response to this consultation, clearly indicating where your response contains any information which you would not wish to be released under FOI, AIE or otherwise published. This can include:
- personal information
- commercially sensitive information
- confidential information
Read our Data Privacy Notice
We would like to draw your attention to MARA and Indecon’s Data Privacy Notices (https://www.maritimeregulator.ie/privacy/) and (https://www.indecon.ie/privacy/) which explains:
- how and when we collect personal data
- why we do so
- how we treat this information
- your rights in relation to the collection of personal information
- how you can exercise those rights