Marine plan launched at blue economy event
Former US Secretary of State John Kerry was in Cork this week to give his insight on climate change and what’s needed to effectively manage the world’s oceans.
His keynote speech was part of an Our Ocean Wealth conference on the blue economy, which welcomed more than 30 political representatives from nation states around the world to Cork this year and more than 750 national and international delegates.
Participants discussed the unique challenges faced by island nations, shared stories of island life and identity, connections to the ocean, historical links and new partnerships. Also during the conference, a draft Marine Planning Policy Statement (MPPS) was launched by the Government, which outlines a vision for the future development of Ireland’s marine planning system.
The Irish land planning system clearly defines forward planning, development management and enforcement components and is operated by regional and local government, An Bord Pleanála, the Office of the Planning Regulator and the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government.
The marine planning system is less evolved but a number of initiatives are underway that will radically transform and modernise Ireland's marine planning system so that it is more integrated, fully plan-led, clearly structured and user friendly for all marine stakeholders.
Speaking at the Our Ocean Wealth Summit, the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Simon Coveney welcomed the Marine Planning Policy Statement (MPPS).
He recalled that an overarching national marine spatial plan, underpinned by an efficient planning and licensing framework, was identified as a key priority in the Harnessing our Ocean Wealth Report launched by former tánaiste Eamon Gilmore in 2012.
He also looked forward to the new Maritime Jurisdiction Bill, which he will introduce to the Oireachtas in the autumn and will complement the Marine Planning and Development Management Bill, work on which is also said to be well advanced.
The Tánaiste said: “The MPPS is an important step in developing the National Marine Planning Framework. Taken together the plan and the two bills will provide the comprehensive and efficient framework for offshore development identified by Harnessing our Ocean Wealth.”