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

Awareness and training of best practices in maritime and coastal activities and preservation of the marine environment.

Ensuring on-going implementation of 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.

Continue to 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.

Ensure that appropriate forms and levels of organisational governance are in place to support Foreshore Licensing, Petroleum Exploration/Appraisal/ Production Licensing, and proposed Maritime Option Licensing process.

Ensure that the consenting/ permitting processes, overseen by relevant regulatory bodies/statutory bodies, sufficiently account for the adequate protection of habitats and species.

To apply the Environmental Impact Assessment Directive and associated legislation in relation to licences and consents.

Continue to develop and implement river basin and shoreline management plans to control impacts and improve environmental status.

Ensure that environmental monitoring and mitigation measures stipulated in Environmental Impact Statements are fit for purpose and when/where deemed necessary are conducted appropriately.

Continue to control discharges through existing regulation procedures (licensing and permitting of activities) – Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control licences, Waste Water Discharge Licence, Local Authority Wastewater Authorisation (smaller discharges), Local Authority Waste Licences, Agricultural controls, Single Dwelling House Waste Water Systems and the implementation of Pollution Reduction Plans.