Ireland's State of the Environment Report 2024

216 Chapter 9: The Marine Environment In Ireland, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (DHLGH) is the lead body responsible for the implementation of the MSFD. The DHLGH is supported by several other government departments and state agencies. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Marine Institute and National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), among others, provide data and monitoring and support Ireland’s delivery of the MSFD. Implementation of the MSFD is through both national contributions and work undertaken regionally, in cooperation with other countries bordering the North-East Atlantic under the auspices of the OSPAR Convention (Topic Box 9.1). Topic Box 9.1  OSPAR Quality Status Report 2023 The OSPAR Commission is an international organisation working to protect the marine environment of the North-East Atlantic. OSPAR brings together 15 countries and the European Union to address environmental issues affecting the North-East Atlantic Ocean. OSPAR is committed to safeguarding the marine environment for present and future generations. Its work highlights the interconnectedness of the ocean with climate change, human wellbeing and the overall health of our planet. The OSPAR Commission’s comprehensive Quality Status Report 2023 (OSPAR, 2023a) assesses the environmental health and status of the North-East Atlantic Ocean and the effects of human activities on it. The report is made up of more than 120 assessments (OSPAR, 2023a,b) and covers many aspects, including biodiversity, habitats and human activities that impact the marine environment. It examines the presence of contaminants and pollutants in the water, such as chemicals and microplastics, and assesses their potential effects on marine life and ecosystems. The DHLGH also leads on the implementation of the WFD. The DHLGH is responsible for publishing and overseeing the River Basin Management Plans to ensure that all our surface water and groundwater achieve at least good status with no deterioration. The third River Basin Management Plan, Ireland's Water Action Plan (DHLGH, 2024a), was published in September 2024 and covers the period 2022-2027. Aligned with the MSFD, the Maritime Spatial Planning Directive (2014/89/EU) also requires that an ecosystem approach be taken to marine planning in Ireland as part of the holistic management of activities in Ireland’s waters. The directive is transposed through the Maritime Area Planning Act (2021) and Ireland’s marine plan. The National Marine Planning Framework has also been in place since 2021. The Maritime Area Planning Act ensures the ongoing development of strong governance and licensing structures that mirror land planning. Table 9.1 outlines some of the key legislation governing the marine environment, although the full legislative system is very complex.