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

This amendment seeks to apply the requirements of the national maritime spatial plan to what is the comprehensive sub-national planning process - designated maritime area plans, DMAPs. It would upset and interfere with the intention of the DMAP concept. I accordance with section 20 of the Bill, designated maritime area plans may be prepared in respect of specified activities for one or more designated geographical or sectoral areas, or for both. The procedures as set out in the Bill are sufficiently flexible to enable the development of regional, local or sectoral plans by a designated competent authority, subject to the oversight of the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage and Oireachtas approval. DMAPs will be prepared in the context of the existing NMPF and are required to specify the objectives of the NMPF it seeks to attain.

The DMAP concept differs from the national maritime spatial plan which provides and overall framework for the entire maritime area, incorporating ecological, economic and social priorities. The NMPF provides an holistic overarching policy position on MSP in Ireland and is the State's primary response to commitments under the MSP directive. DMAPs should not duplicate this but should operate within the general framework and enhance it by responding to more specific maritime planning needs, be they sectoral or localised. It is therefore not appropriate to apply all the requirements of an national marine plan to a sectoral or geographically specific plan as to do so would undermine the purpose and functionality of a DMAP. However, in accordance with section 20(4) of the Bill, it is the Minister's responsibility in reviewing a DMAP proposal to consider whether or not it satisfies the requirements of the MSP directive and, again, when reviewing the draft DMAP.

The overarching objective of this amendment to comply with certain provisions is provided for by reference to the NMPF in sections 21, 22 and 28, and the MSP directive in sections 20, 23, 24 and 28. In addition, the requirements referred to in section 17(1) will already flow through the NMPF and MSP in any event, but may not be applicable to every DMAP proposed. Where they are relevant, they will be adhered to.

In short, this amendment as proposed would undermine the flexibility required for the DMAP concept and is not actually necessary, and, as such, I will not be accepting it.

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