On an ongoing basis apply the Natura Directives and associated national regulations as laid down in S.I. No.477/2011 - European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011

According to a 6 year cycle, as appropriate, monitor and assess the conservation status of habitats and species; as required by the Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC) and Birds Directive (2009/147/EC).

On an ongoing basis ensure the appropriate number of Special Protection Areas under the Birds Directive (2009/147/EC) will be designated to ensure the continued protection of wild bird species.

According to a 6 year cycle, update regional lists of protected marine species and habitats as necessary; and propose protected status for additional species and habitats on a national/subregion scale as appropriate; based on scientific evidence.

Continue to implement recommendations for the protection and conservation-based management of OSPAR-listed Threatened and/or Declining Species and Habitats

Continue to report marine biodiversity and associated anthropogenic pressure data from Ireland to OSPAR's data and information management system (ODIMS)

On an ongoing basis implement the Strategic Environmental Assessment Directive (2001/42/EC) in order to identify, minimise and mitigate potential adverse environmental impacts.

Continue awareness and training of best practices in maritime and coastal activities and the preservation of the marine environment

By 2023 Ireland will continue to develop it's strategy and processes to enable and deliver the designation and management of Ireland's network of marine protected areas; thereby supporting the achievement and maintenance of good environmental status.

To continue to develop shellfish stock assessments which take into account requirements for protected bird species at national level within 6 nautical miles.

Promote site-specific measures to protect island bird colonies from invasion by non-indigenous predatory mammals.

Continue to be informed by the Action plans developed by BirdWatch Ireland.

On an ongoing basis implement biodiversity protection and management measures under the Wildlife Acts (1976 and amendments) and the Birds and Natural Habitats Regulations (2011 and amendments) in order to conserve coastal and marine flora and fauna; including measures concerning licensing, possession/trade/import/export and for sites identified as important for listed species and habitats.

On an ongoing basis fulfil the obligations for the protection of migratory waterbird species under the Birds Directive; taking these obligations into account by considering them in decision making by public authorities.

Continue to implement the licensing process governing disturbance of protected plant and animal species.

Continue to develop and apply guidance to planning and licencing activities in Irish marine waters that have the potential to cause environmental harm.

By 2023 Ireland will update and promote wildlife watching Codes of Practice to minimise risk of disturbance to marine wildlife including birds and mammals

Annually Ireland will report incidental catches of non-target species through the Data Collection Framework (DCF) At Sea Sampling Programme; including marine mammals; turtles; seabirds; vulnerable marine ecosystems (VMEs); ETP (endangered; threatened; protected) and non-commercial fish/cephalopod species; and will focus on recording discarding rates.

On an ongoing basis develop and promote the use of selective fishing gear in order to reduce unwanted catches in line with the landing obligation under Article 15 of the CFP.

Ireland will continue to develop and implement fishery management measures for Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) at national level where sites are within the 6 nautical mile limit and at regional EU level for MPAs outside the 6 nautical mile limit.

Continue to implement the EU fishery management measures for the protection of relevant species and habitats included on the OSPAR Threatened and/or Declining list.

Ireland will apply the Environmental Liability Directive (2004/35/EC) as appropriate.

On an ongoing basis support certification under the BIM suite of standards, participation in Fishery Improvement Projects, Origin green membership and, where relevant, certification under third party schemes such as Marine Stewardship Council (MSC).

On an ongoing basis implement national legislation to appropriately apply licensing; regulation and planning for the marine and coastal environment; including the requirement for applications to be accompanied by the materials necessary for a full assessment of the proposed plan; project or development. Within this measure; include the enactment of relevant parts of the Marine Area Planning Act and the establishment of MARA in Ireland.

By 2024 Ireland will update national guidelines regarding environmental considerations for offshore renewable energy developments; giving consideration to existing regional guidance on ORE e.g. from the EU Commission and OSPAR.

On an ongoing basis apply the Environmental Impact Assessment Directive and associated legislation in relation to licences and consents in order to identify; minimise and mitigate potential adverse environmental impacts.

In 2027 and every 6 years there after review the plan for all of Irelands marine water; the National Marine Planning Framework (NMPF) in accordance with the Marine Spatial Planning Directive.

On an ongoing basis implement OSPAR recommendation 2003/5 promoting the use and implementation of environmental management systems by the offshore industry.

On an ongoing basis implement CLAMS - Coordinated Local Aquaculture Management Systems to empower aquaculture operators to undertake voluntary improvements and facilitate them to recognise and report incidents.

On an ongoing basis apply the Foreshore Acts 1933 to 2009 and associated legislation.

Continue to promote the implementation of the Environment Management System on fish and shellfish farms through a range of environmental and sustainability schemes and standards.

Continue to examine and manage the interactions between aquaculture and fishing activities and Natura 2000 sites and their qualifying interests (i.e. listed species/habitats); incorporating the development and use of scientific advice as it relates to appropriate licensing and management actions for such sites.

By 2023 Ireland will develop standalone legislation to deliver the designation and management of an expanded network of marine protected areas; thereby supporting the achievement and maintenance of good environmental status.

In 2022 and annually thereafter; report MPA data and management updates from Ireland to OSPAR's data and information management system (ODIMS); while augmenting Ireland's national contribution to the ongoing OSPAR network of MPAs.

By 2028, Ireland will develop nature-based solutions to reinstate and safeguard the natural capacity of ecosystems to supply regulating ecosystem services including the sequestration of nutrients. This will be undertaken through a regional approach under OSPAR Objective S1O6.

Support the implementation the OSPAR North-East Atlantic Environment Strategy 2030; carrying out tasks, measures and actions designed to achieve its 54 operational objectives - to deliver clean, biologically diverse, healthy, productive and sustainably used seas; resilient to climate change and ocean acidification.

By 2023 Ireland will implement EC regulations (EC) No 57/2021, restricting lead in and around wetlands.

By 2027, Ireland will complete a review of the wildlife legislation.

By 2027 implement Ireland's 4th National Biodiversity Action Plan.

Ireland will continue to explore processes by which its environmental targets for incidental mortality can be supported.

Continue to implement and revise Irelands Climate Action Plan 2021 (CAP21) which sets out almost 500 actions to support Ireland's journey towards a 51 % reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 (from a 2018 baseline) and carbon neutrality by 2050.