The Taoiseach cannot continue to talk out of both sides of his mouth when it comes to protecting Ireland’s marine environment, according to Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore.
Deputy Whitmore, who is the party’s spokesperson on the marine, said:
“Speaking in France this week at the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3), the Taoiseach said he wants Ireland to be a leading nation in global maritime policy.
“This lofty ambition is at odds with the track record of FF/FG-led governments, with no legislative progress on the Marine Protected Areas (MPA) Bill since early 2023.
“The time for action is well overdue. We have been waiting years for this legislation and there is a real fear that the government will not introduce it.
“The programme for government only refers to expanding MPAs – there is no explicit commitment to the global pledge to protect 30 per cent of the planet’s land and oceans by 2030. As things stand, 20 per cent of Ireland’s marine area still needs designation so we can meet our targets.
“The EU Ocean Pact provides a clear framework for the protection of our marine environment. We now need to see the introduction of strong legislation, with long-term targets similar to Nature Restoration Law.
“It’s all well and good for the Taoiseach to be reiterating his commitment to marine protection when he’s on the world stage. But we need to see real action from his government, not just spin, between now and 2030.”
June 10, 2025