en.Wedoany.com Reported - The Irish government is advancing the development of a marine protected area network, with new legislation, EU funding, and marine data mapping serving as key pillars to achieve the target of protecting 30% of marine areas by 2030. A €25 million grant from the EU's LIFE programme is supporting the development of Ireland's future marine protected area network, while the legislative framework for enhancing marine habitat protection and management continues to be refined.

Currently, approximately 10% of Ireland's marine areas are under protection. Expanding this coverage to 30% is a commitment Ireland has made under international biodiversity agreements and broader efforts to restore ocean health. Minister Timmy Dooley noted that the government recently approved the final phase of the INFOMAR seabed mapping programme. Jointly managed by the Geological Survey Ireland and the Marine Institute, the programme aims to complete the mapping of Ireland's offshore territory by 2029, providing critical data for marine protection, coastal resilience, and sustainable development.

Dooley stated that the government recognises the importance of protecting this natural resource and is fully committed to protecting 30% of marine areas by 2030. In addition to legislation and funding, data is also key to achieving this goal. The government's recent approval to complete the INFOMAR programme to map all of Ireland's offshore territory has acknowledged the importance of data. Dooley further noted that Ireland will become the first country in the world with significant marine areas to complete the mapping of all its offshore territory. The completion of this programme will cement Ireland's global leadership in seabed mapping and high-resolution marine data, laying the foundation for policy-making and future sustainable development.

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