The launch of the Draft National Maritime Planning Framework (NMPF), by Minister Damien English from the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government took place on Tuesday November 12th.

This draft is Ireland’s first complete marine spatial planning document that sets out the policies, to help direct decision making in the maritime area using a plan-led approach. This draft is to go through a public consultation process in the next few months concluding at the end of February, with a view for a final draft to be launched towards the end of 2020, and implementation in 2021. The ultimate outcome will be for a simpler, more streamlined planning process for foreshore, that will enable links to County Development Plans, allowing local authorities to look towards the sea for local development opportunities.

Irish Sailing’s CEO, Harry Hermon sits on the NMPF Stakeholder Advisory Group as a representative of the Federation of Irish Sport.

All NGB’ and LSP’s who use the foreshore for their activities are strongly urged to attend the public consultation process for the Draft NMPF

Regional public meetings to promote awareness and facilitate public and stakeholder participation in the Draft NMPF run from 21st Nov to 10 Dec in Limerick, Westport, Galway and Tralee.

Full details of locations and contacts here https://www.housing.gov.ie/planning/marine-planning/public-consultation-draft-national-marine-planning-framework

Submissions are welcome by email or post too before 12:00 noon on 28th February 2020

Full details on the NMPF

See the full Government Press Release with useful summary breakdowns here – Govt Press release: https://www.housing.gov.ie/water/marine-planning/minister-english-launches-public-consultation-draft-national-marine-planning