Ireland’s Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment, Darragh O’Brien, has appointed four members to the Board of the Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (MARA), strengthening the body responsible for regulating the country’s maritime area.

The appointments were made in accordance with Section 45 of the Maritime Area Planning Act 2021, as amended, and are intended to support MARA in carrying out its statutory functions, including its role in Ireland’s offshore renewable energy and maritime planning ambitions.

Four appointments to the MARA board

The new board members represent central and local government. Ciara Reynolds has been appointed to represent the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment, while Eugene Waters will represent the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

Kevin Kelly joins the board representing the County and City Management Association. Patrick Moran, representing the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, has been reappointed.

Reynolds, Waters and Kelly are new appointments, while Moran is continuing his role on the board.

Commenting on the appointments, Minister O’Brien said their combined expertise and experience across central and local government would contribute to MARA’s work in supporting the sustainable development and effective regulation of Ireland’s maritime area.

The minister also highlighted MARA’s role in delivering Ireland’s offshore renewable energy and maritime planning ambitions, saying he looked forward to working with the board as the authority continues its work.

Expertise across climate, energy and planning

Minister of State at the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment Timmy Dooley said the appointees bring experience in climate and energy policy, planning, infrastructure, public administration and local government.

According to Dooley, the appointments will strengthen the board’s capacity to oversee and support MARA as it manages and regulates Ireland’s maritime area.

MARA was established as Ireland’s maritime area regulator under the Maritime Area Planning Act 2021. The new appointments come as the authority continues to play a role in the country’s plans for the development and regulation of offshore renewable energy and other activities within Ireland’s maritime area.