Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I note the concerns the Deputy raised but given the difficulties that arose in enabling a smooth transition from the existing foreshore consent process to the new regime under the Maritime Area Planning Act, I took the earliest opportunity to bring forward amendments to enable applications already under way to be dealt with in the most appropriate way. MARA becomes operational on 17 July and clarity on the transition of applications on hand and part-consented applications from the foreshore regime will be welcome to facilitate MARA in giving a full effect to its functions. Waiting for a separate Bill later in the year with MARA already established and the board in a position to accept applications for permission would not be in the interest of the State, given the urgency of the climate crisis we are in. We have shown before that we are not afraid to move things forward when required to do so.

I wish give additional assurance around statutory consultation. Consultation is encouraged through the various legislative and consultation mechanisms. This includes consultation on the national marine planning framework, representations made on the marine planning policy statement, consultations facilitated through the public participation statement and requirements on designated maritime area plans, DMAPs, right through the project level consultation with An Bord Pleanála or the coastal planning authorities on specific projects. There is a wide range of opportunity there for the public to consult. Again, all of this is Aarhus-compliant. That is just to give assurance to the Deputy in that regard.