Minister Noonan welcomed the publication of an expert-led report on Expanding Ireland's Marine Protected Area Network' by the Department for Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
"The report brings us a step closer towards our Programme for Government commitment to protect 10% of Ireland’s territorial waters as soon as possible, and sets out a vision that incorporates the value of our marine ecology, culture and heritage to help us move towards 30% by 2030," he said. "Critically, it highlights the importance of stakeholder engagement to ensure that MPAs are designed with coastal communities at their heart. I'm looking forward to working with Minister Darragh O'Brien to progress the stakeholder engagement process.
Read the report here.
