Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Even if there is an Act, you have to designate. The Act itself would not necessarily designate the specific sites. It would give the ability but we can do that now anyway.

That section of the draft legislation is moving over to my Department. It is the right place for it to be as we have the rest of the marine. The last update I had with regard to the actual legislation was that it will be mid-2026.

As I mentioned, we are also looking at the DMAP. We might not need the legislation and this is something I have not made my mind up on but if we can get to 30% and beyond by using the national DMAP, that would be a way forward. I discussed this with the environmental pillar when we met last week in plenary session and I have asked it to think on this. Our objective is to get to 30% marine protected areas. Senator Noonan did much work on this Bill and will tell you privately some of the issues we had in that regard and the different matters we continue to grapple with. I would like to do it and do it sooner. If I can do it through the national DMAP, we will. Again, I will keep the committee informed of the progress there but we are committed to the 30%.