New guide to navigating Ireland’s maritime consenting system

Overview of the Consenting and Regulatory Authorities’ Roles and Responsibilities for Maritime Developments and Usages

30 / 04 / 2026

Developed by the Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (MARA), in partnership with An Coimisiún Pleanála (ACP), the County and City Management Association (CCMA), Coastal Planning Forum and the Office of the Planning Regulator (OPR), “Overview of the Consenting and Regulatory Authorities’ Roles and Responsibilities for Maritime Developments and Usages” explains how the key authorities work together under Ireland’s evolving marine planning framework.

The publication focuses on maritime development under the Maritime Area Planning Act 2021 (as amended), as well as relevant maritime planning requirements under the Planning and Development Act 2000 and the Planning and Development Act 2024.

The booklet sets out the consultation, consenting, compliance and, where relevant, enforcement roles of MARA, ACP and Coastal Planning Authorities (CPA’s), providing further information to those navigating Ireland’s maritime consenting system.

Laura Brien, CEO of MARA, commenting on behalf of the partners said:

“This publication represents an important step in improving understanding of Ireland’s maritime consenting and planning system. Developed through strong collaboration between the relevant authorities, it clearly sets out roles and responsibilities, providing greater transparency for developers, stakeholders and the public.

Effective marine spatial planning is critical to sustainably in harnessing the potential of Ireland’s diverse and sensitive maritime environment, and this requires strong coordination between onshore and offshore planning, including coastal planning authorities and other state bodies.

This resource offers clear guidance on how the streamlined framework for maritime development operates, highlighting the robust oversight and environmental safeguards in place, as well as its linkages with the broader planning system.”

The document has been developed collaboratively by MARA, ACP, OPR and the CPA’s to support greater transparency and consistency in the application of Irelands maritime planning framework.

The Overview of the Consenting and Regulatory Authorities’ Roles and Responsibilities for Maritime Developments and Usages booklet is available to view and download at:

www.maritimeregulator.ie
www.pleanala.ie
www.opr.ie