Implementation of the Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EEC) River Basin Management Plans which include measures aimed toward the achievement of Good Ecological Status of coastal and transitional intertidal waters bodies.

Maintain the Water Framework Directive River Classification Scheme and associated management measures.

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

Apply Environmental Liability Directive (2004/35/EC) as appropriate.

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.

Develop sector specific guidance documentation and regional strategy plans for renewable energy growth and impact control.

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.

Develop and implement marine plans for all of Irish waters by 31st March 2021 at the latest.

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

Implement Water Framework Directive Environmental Quality Standards for specific pollutants used in assessment of water quality status.

To continue to prevent the use of legacy pesticide with persistent bioaccumulative toxic properties.

Continue to enforce the ban on production, placing on the market and use (some limited exceptions) of intentionally produced Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) substances listed in the Stockholm Convention (SC) and United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Protocol on POPs. Ensure the national action plan and implementation plan on how Ireland is meeting obligations under the SC is maintained and carried out.

To continue to review the River Basin Management Plans at the end of each 6-year cycle as outlined in the Water Framework Directive.

Ensure shellfish products are fit for human consumption by implementing the Shellfish Waters Directive and it's Pollution Reduction Programmes.

To continue to regulate pesticides in accordance with relevant EU and national law.

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.

Implement the OSPAR Hazardous Substances Strategy.

Ensure operators take all necessary measures to prevent major accidents and limit their consequences for human health and the environment.

To continue to apply EU and national regulations setting maximum levels for certain contaminants in foodstuffs.

To continue to apply EU and national regulations laying down the general principles and requirements of food law.

To continue to apply EU and national regulations laying down specific hygiene rules for food of animal origin.

To continue to apply EU and national regulations on official controls performed to ensure the verification of compliance with feed and food law, animal health and animal welfare rules.

To continue to apply the EU Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC).

Continue to implement CLAMS – Coordinated Local Aquaculture Management Systems to ensure adequate supervision and management of shellfish practices, and to empower aquaculture operators to undertake voluntary improvements and facilitate them to recognise and report incidents.

Continue to implement EC (Health of Aquaculture Animals and Products) Regulations 2008 (S.I. No. 261/2008) and Council Directive 2006/88/EC.

To 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 the Environment Management System for Aquaculture initiative.