Applying for a MAC
Applying for a MAC
MARA invites potential MAC (Maritime Area Consents) applicants to partake in non–statutory pre-application meetings before a formal application is made, if required.
Visit our Pre-Application Page.
As part of the application, MAC applicants are required to satisfy general assessment, technical capability assessments, and financial capability assessments.
MARA has 90 days to issue a decision on a MAC application once MARA is satisfied that it has all the necessary information, and that no additional information will be needed for the assessment of the application.
Types of MAC Applications
- Section 75 (1) – when a MAC is required prior to seeking development permission
- Section 75 (4) – when a MAC is required after the grant of development permission
- Section 76 – when a MAC is required but not development permission
- Section 105 – transitional provisions for certain foreshore authorisations
- Section 106 – transitional provisions for certain unauthorised maritime usages
Material/non-material amendments to a MAC
A material amendment to a MAC is any amendment that is not a non-material amendment, and will be subject to assessment by MARA.
The following classes of amendments to a MAC are specified, for the purpose of section 86 of the Maritime Area Planning Act 2021, as non-material amendments:
(a) the granting of not more than two extensions of time, for a period of not more than 6 months in respect of each such extension, for compliance by a holder of a MAC with a condition where MARA, at its sole discretion, considers there are reasonable grounds for the granting of the extension of time.
(b) an amendment to a MAC to correct a clerical error.
Fees
| Application type | Fees |
| Application under section 77(1) of the MAP Act for a declaration by the MARA | €1,000 |
| MAC General Application (Form MAC1) | |
| a) for projects with a projected total cost (relating to the maritime area) of €10,000,000, or less | €1,000 |
| b) for projects with a projected total cost (relating to the maritime area) of more than €10,000,000 but less than €100,000,000 | €10,000 |
| c) for projects with a projected total cost (relating to the maritime area) of €100,000,000 or more | €25,000 |
| MAC Application for Assignment (Form MAC2) | As per applicable fee for MAC General application |
| MAC Application for Material Amendment (Form MAC3) | As per applicable fee for MAC General application |
| MAC Application for Non-Material Amendment (Form MAC4) | No fees |
| Application for surrender of a MAC in accordance with Section 88 | No fees |
Please note Application Forms should be submitted as per download, without formatting. If you require additional Appendices, please submit as supplementary documentation.
Maritime Area Consent – Application Toolkit
Pre-Application Consultation
| Document | Download |
|---|---|
| Pre-Application Consultation Request Form | Download |
Guidance-Maritime Area Consents
Application Forms – Maritime Area Consents
If additional attachments are required to be submitted as supporting documentation, please extract the relevant sections from the main form and submit as part of the overall application.
Surrendering a MAC
The holder of a MAC may make a written application to MARA for the surrender of the MAC. Where such an application is made, MARA may request such additional information in relation to any matter to which the application relates as MARA reasonably considers necessary to assist it to determine the application under section 89 of the Maritime Area Planning Act 2021.
| Resource | View/Download |
|---|---|
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Circular MP02/2025
MARA received Circular MP02-2025 from the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment on 20th November 2025. This circular is in relation to authorisation for emergency works to underwater cables etc |
View/Download |
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Transitional Provisions
The Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (“MARA”) wishes to highlight transitional provisions, contained within the Maritime Area Planning Act 2021(“the MAP Act”), as amended, relating to potential unauthorised usages and applications. |
View/Download |
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Circular MP01/2025
MARA received Circular MP01-2025 from the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment on 11th August 2025. In accordance with Section 44 (c) of the Maritime Area Planning Act 2021, MARA will have regard to this Circular when considering applications for Maritime Area Consents or Marine Usage Licences. |
View/Download |
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Circular MP01/2024
MARA received Circular MP01-2024 from the Department of Climate, Environment and Communications on 15 November 2024. In accordance with Section 44 (c) of the Maritime Area Planning Act 2021, MARA will have regard to this Circular when considering applications for Maritime Area Consents or Marine Usage Licences which relate to offshore renewable energy activity. |
View/Download |