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ARTICLE · 20 JULY 2023

Maritime Area Regulatory Authority Established In July 2023

William Fry LLP
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The new agency has consenting and enforcement functions in the maritime area, as set out in the Maritime Area Planning Act 2021. Notably, MARA has assumed responsibility for the assessment of Maritime Area Consent applications.

IrelandTransport
Michelle Martin
Michelle Martin
Conor Linehan
Conor Linehan
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In July 2023, the Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (MARA) was established.

The new agency has consenting and enforcement functions in the maritime area, as set out in the Maritime Area Planning Act 2021. Notably, MARA has assumed responsibility for the assessment of Maritime Area Consent (MAC) applications.

Securing a MAC is the first step in the new offshore planning regime. This is a prerequisite for an application to An Bord Pleanála to grant planning permission for an offshore development. The first MACs were awarded to Phase One offshore wind projects by the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications in December 2022. Moving forward, all MACs will be assessed and granted by MARA. The new agency will also assume responsibility for the management of those MACs previously granted.

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