Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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217. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if he will provide an update on the establishment, recruitment and implementation of the new body, the Maritime Area Regulatory Authority, MARA; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62957/22]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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A dedicated MARA Establishment Unit is in place within my Department leading the critical work enabling the timely establishment of the Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (MARA). The unit is directing a detailed Implementation Plan along three workstreams - governance, corporate development and operational development and is on track to have MARA formally established in March 2023.

I hope to be in a position to make appointments for the role of Chair and members of the Board of MARA shortly. In addition, the campaign to recruit a Chief Executive Designate was launched on 30 September 2022. This competition is being managed by the Public Appointments Service on behalf of the Top-Level Appointments Committee and it is anticipated to be completed early in 2023.

Filling these key leadership positions is a critical step in establishing the new maritime consenting regime. During this period of great change in how the State manages its maritime space, MARA will have a key role to play and it is important that the Board and CEO provide effective leadership and strategic vision to the organisation.

In addition, recruitment to the MARA Establishment Unit is continuing within my Department. Staff of the unit will transfer to the agency on establishment to ensure continuity of the work. A strategic workforce planning and skills needs assessment is being finalised and will inform MARA’s future recruitment planning.

In line with the Government’s decision on Prioritisation of Renewable Energy Maritime Plans and Projects as a response to the Energy crisisthe MARA Establishment Unit’s focus is prioritising the development of the new consenting regime to ensure MARA will have the necessary processes and procedures in place relating to applications for Offshore Renewable Energy Maritime Area Consents (MACs) and subsequently, for other MACs for marine infrastructure that will support delivery and deployment of offshore wind projects, such as port developments.