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

By 2023 and every 6 years there after Ireland will ensure the appropriate amount/coverage of SACs has been designated to ensure the continued protection of species and habitats listed in Annex I and II of the Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC).

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 apply the requirement for Appropriate Assessment of activities within Natura sites as required under Article 6(3) of the Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC).

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 map seabed bathymetry; character and ancillary hydrographic data; and derive seabed habitat maps through the national seabed mapping programme; INtegrated Mapping FOr the Sustainable Development of Ireland's MArine Resource (INFOMAR); and associated observation; monitoring and data initiatives; including EMODnet Seabed 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.

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.

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.

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 effectively control and promote compliance with EU fisheries legislation.

On an ongoing basis apply the Precautionary Principle to fisheries management to ensure that the exploitation of living marine biological resources restores and/or maintains populations of harvested species above levels which can produce the Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY).

On an ongoing basis support the development and implementation of Multi Annual Plans at EU level.

On an ongoing basis develop selective gears, closed areas, and seasonal closures in conjunction with the Regional Groups of Member States and Advisory Councils based on the best available scientific advice.

Continue to examine and develop; where appropriate; closures of spawning and nursery grounds to preserve sensitive stocks at the national level; where sites are within the 6 nautical mile limit; and at the EU level.

Monitoring, controlling, and enforcing to support compliance with National and EU fisheries.

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.

Regulate recreational fisheries to support conservation and sustainable exploitation

On an ongoing basis manage the impacts of sea-fisheries and aquaculture in Special Areas of Conservation and Special Protection Areas.

On an ongoing basis ensure that aquaculture operators remove growing equipment from growing areas once production ends.

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 implement Directive 2013/30/EU on safety of offshore oil and gas operations within Irish legislation. This ensures protection of the marine environment through implementation of safety measures/mechanisms for offshore oil and gas operations. This includes; inter alia; as per Article 8 of Directive 2013/30/EU; the appointment of the Commission of Energy Regulation (CER) as the competent authority responsible for regulatory functions in this regard.

On an ongoing basis implement guidelines for the assessment of dredged material for disposal in Irish waters; the application of the Foreshore Acts and the licensing; permitting and enforcement of activities under the Dumping at Sea Act.

On an ongoing basis apply the EU-Common Fisheries Policy as set down in Regulation 1380/2013 and the body of related regulations supporting sustainable fisheries in EU waters, including the use of a regional approach to fisheries management in line with Article 18 of the EU-CFP (1380/2013).

On an annual basis setting Total Allowable Catches (TACs), at EU level, in line with fishing at Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY) in order to ensure the long term conservation and sustainability of fish stocks.

On an ongoing basis manage the sea-fishing fleet with regard to fishing opportunities over time and in accordance with the EU-CFP (1380/2013).

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).

Utilise the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund to support the effective delivery of the CFP and the Brexit Adjustment Reserve funds to address the many impacts of the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement.

On an ongoing basis implement measures establishing specific conditions applicable to fishing for deep-sea stocks in the North-east Atlantic as currently laid out in Regulation (EU) 2016/2336, and Regulation (EU) 2022/1614.

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 enforce the Dumping at Sea Act 1996 (as amended); which specifically prohibits the dumping of certain materials at sea and requires any person who wishes to dispose of material at sea to apply to the EPA for a Dumping at Sea permit.

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 apply the BIM Responsibly Sourced Standard for wild capture fisheries.

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.

On an ongoing basis, continue to conduct research and produce scientific evidence and advice, both on a national basis and through work with ICES, in support of the CFP and related regulations to ensure sustainable fisheries in Irish waters and throughout the EU.

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

Improve access to information through the launch of an online mapping viewer of licensed aquaculture sites in Ireland which will link licence information already available online.

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

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.