National Marine Planning Framework

The National Marine Planning Framework (NMPF) brings together all marine-based human activities for the first time, outlining the Government’s vision, objectives and marine planning policies for each marine activity

The National Marine Planning Framework (NMPF)

The National Marine Planning Framework (NMPF) brings together all marine-based human activities for the first time, outlining the Government’s vision, objectives and marine planning policies for each marine activity

The requirements of EU Directive 2014/89/EU, formally established the National Marine Planning Framework (NMPF) under Part 5 of the Planning and Development (Amendment) Act 2018.

A copy of the National Marine Planning Framework can be found here National Marine Planning Framework.

In broad terms the objectives of the draft National Marine Planning Framework, address a number of recommendations outlined in the recent ‘Review of the Aquaculture Licensing Process’, where the report concluded that the aquaculture licensing system was in ‘urgent need of reform’. 

The Aquaculture objectives outlined in the draft National Marine Planning Framework address a number of key aspects that could aid reform of the current aquaculture licensing system, including:

• Support for a diverse, compliant growing aquaculture sector through a modern licensing & enforcement system
• Maintain a best practice aquaculture licensing system which supports future potential of aquaculture
• Further enhance the aquaculture licensing system with the aid of legislative, administrative & scientific expertise, which promotes trust in the regulatory system
• Further develop enforcement strategies which supports a compliant aquaculture industry

The realisation of such objectives would provide to clarity for decision makers (e.g. those issuing licences), clarity for those local businesses wanting to invest in new or existing ventures, and probably most importantly clarity for local communities as to what developments are planned in their areas.

As Aquaculture provides an important social dividend providing employment in rural coastal & island communities through the sustainable production of high-quality food, the sectors contribution in sustaining vitality and viability in coastal areas cannot be ignored.

Legislative Framework 

However, IFA Aquaculture notes that Department of Agriculture, Food & Marine is not referenced in regard to the ‘Marine Planning and Development Management Bill’ and it would appear that proposed legislative framework currently does not apply to the aquaculture sector – making it the only sector in marine space currently exempted from the proposed legislative framework underpinning the marine planning system. In other words, the policies, principles and objectives of the National Marine Planning Framework means little in regard to the aquaculture sector if they are not underpinned by appropriate legislation.

Any legislative framework related to the marine planning system must include the Aquaculture sector – in order to succeed in enabling a better integrated marine management, Ireland’s marine planning system and any legislative framework must apply to all sectors, including Aquaculture. The Irish Aquaculture sector needs the support of policy to allow for sustainable development of the industry.

Integrated Marine Planning System

IFA Aquaculture supports the development of an integrated marine planning system which is aligned with the land-planning system, with clearly set out timeframe for every step of the decision-making process from the outset, through screening, consultation, decision making and appeals. Such measures would meet the implementation requirement of a number of recommendations outlined in government policy documents namely; ‘Review of the Aquaculture Licensing Process’, ‘National Strategic Plan for Sustainable Aquaculture’, Current ‘Programme for Partnership Government’. 

Marine Spatial Planning Stakeholder Advisory group

An advisory group was established to facilitate participation in the NMPF process by all relevant stakeholders from the economic, environmental and social pillars – including IFA Aquaculture. The advisory group also informed the work of the Inter Departmental Marine Planning Group and provided updates, reports or recommendations as required.IFA Aquaculture was an active member of the advisory group and a copy of IFA submissions can be found on the IFA Policy Documents section with direct links to both submissions below.

National Marine Planning Framework – IFA Submission April 2020

Marine Planning Policy Statement – IFA Submission Aug 2019