207. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the position regarding the research framework behind the drafting of the Maritime Area Planning (Marine Protected Areas) (Amendment) Bill 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54393/26]

208. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment his views on the importance of seeking external expertise in drafting the Maritime Area Planning (Marine Protected Areas) (Amendment) Bill 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54394/26]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 207 and 208 together.

The development of marine protected areas (MPAs) has been informed by both research and by extensive engagement with external experts and stakeholders throughout its developmental process. This engagement supports the work of internal scientific, legal and policy experts within the Department and across Government.

In 2019, an advisory group chaired by Professor Tasman Crowe, Director of UCD's Earth Institute was convened to provide independent expert advice on the processes to expanding Ireland’s MPA network. This group comprised of individuals with relevant scientific, socio-economic, cultural  and governance and legislation expertise.

As part of its active research and deliberations, the advisory group gathered and facilitated the sharing of knowledge and perspectives on MPAs from more than 100 key societal, community, business and sectoral stakeholders. The process involved two consultative approaches, an online questionnaire and online focus groups.

The Expert Advisory Group's report can be found at the following link (Expanding Ireland’s Marine Protected Area Network).

This advisory group was reconvened on two occasions to undertake ecological sensitivity analyses of the western Irish Sea and Celtic Sea to help inform the future designation of MPAs. The reports of these sensitivity analyses were published in June 2023 and August 2024 respectively  and may be found at the following links (Ecological Sensitivity Analysis of Irish Sea – Main Report and Ecological Sensitivity Analysis of the Celtic Sea).

The aim of these sensitivity analyses was to identify possible species, habitats or ecosystem services that would be suitable for protection. They also identified suitable areas in these parts of Ireland’s maritime area from within which MPAs could be designated, as well as developing methods, approaches and standards for identifying such suitable areas. These analyses support other planning processes, such as offshore renewable energy development. The analyses were both underpinned by stakeholder consultation. A third sensitivity analysis is now underway in the Atlantic area as part of the MPA LIFE project. Once this is complete Ireland’s entire maritime area will have been subject to ecological sensitivity analysis.

The Department is currently leading the 9-year MPA LIFE Ireland project (2024-2033), in collaboration with partners in University College Dublin, University College Cork and University of Galway. The total project budget is €25.3 million, 60% of which is funded by the European Union’s LIFE programme and 40% by the Marine Environment Division. The intention is to deliver a network of objective-driven, well-managed, monitored and enforced MPAs. This will be achieved through a participatory Ecosystem-based Management process involving the co-design, co-production and co-delivery of outcomes in close collaboration with marine stakeholders and citizens, including local communities, environmental organisations, industry and other stakeholders through a robust and meaningful process.