Minister Dooley champions Atlantic marine protection in Galway
Minister of State Timmy Dooley has underscored Ireland's dedication to safeguarding the Atlantic Ocean during a high-level summit held in Galway. The event focused on integrating robust scientific research with sustainable governance to protect vital marine ecosystems.
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Gov.ie / MerrionStreet
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Minister of State at the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment, Timmy Dooley, has reaffirmed Ireland’s commitment to the preservation of the Atlantic Ocean and Irish Seas. Addressing delegates at the Atlantic Summit in Galway, Minister Dooley emphasised the nation’s unique position as an island state, highlighting the critical role the ocean plays in regulating the climate, supporting biodiversity, and ensuring European food security.
The summit served as a platform for experts and policymakers to discuss the forthcoming EU Ocean Act, which aims to provide a coherent framework for marine governance. Minister Dooley confirmed that the government is prioritising the Maritime Area Planning (Marine Protected Areas) (Amendment) Bill 2026, which is designed to meet international obligations to protect 30% of Ireland’s maritime area by 2030. Furthermore, the Minister announced that Budget 2027 includes an additional €10 million in funding for the Maritime Area Regulatory Authority to bolster its capacity to oversee strategic coastal projects.
Beyond national legislative efforts, Ireland has joined the international Ocean Eye initiative to enhance global ocean observation and data collection. The government is also investing heavily in long-term ecological health, with a €25 million fund allocated to the MPA LIFE Ireland project running through to 2033. Comprehensive details regarding the current ecological sensitivity analyses and the broader Maritime Area Planning framework are available on the official government website.
The summit served as a platform for experts and policymakers to discuss the forthcoming EU Ocean Act, which aims to provide a coherent framework for marine governance. Minister Dooley confirmed that the government is prioritising the Maritime Area Planning (Marine Protected Areas) (Amendment) Bill 2026, which is designed to meet international obligations to protect 30% of Ireland’s maritime area by 2030. Furthermore, the Minister announced that Budget 2027 includes an additional €10 million in funding for the Maritime Area Regulatory Authority to bolster its capacity to oversee strategic coastal projects.
Beyond national legislative efforts, Ireland has joined the international Ocean Eye initiative to enhance global ocean observation and data collection. The government is also investing heavily in long-term ecological health, with a €25 million fund allocated to the MPA LIFE Ireland project running through to 2033. Comprehensive details regarding the current ecological sensitivity analyses and the broader Maritime Area Planning framework are available on the official government website.
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