A key element supporting the Government’s MPA commitment is the INFOMAR seabed mapping programme, a joint initiative between Geological Survey Ireland and the Marine Institute.
The programme aims to map Ireland’s offshore territory, covering an area of just under 1 million square kilometres, approximately ten times the size of the country’s landmass.
Government has approved the completion of the programme, with the final phase scheduled from 2027 to 2029. This phase will map the most challenging and shallowest remaining 125,000 square kilometres of seabed.
Survey operations are planned from March to October each year between 2026 and 2028, with a final year dedicated to data processing in 2029, completing what has become known as “The Real Map of Ireland”.
“Ireland will become the first nation in the world with a significant maritime area to meet the objective of mapping all of its offshore territory. The completion of the programme will solidify Ireland’s position as a global leader in seabed mapping and marine high-resolution data underpinning policy and future sustainable development,” the Minister said.
Seabed Data to Support Conservation and Planning
The Department said detailed seabed mapping is essential to supporting a plan-led approach to marine conservation, helping to identify sensitive habitats such as cold-water coral reefs.
The data collected through INFOMAR will also contribute to improved oceanographic and ecosystem modelling, including forecasting of storm surges, coastal erosion and the long-term effects of rising sea levels.
MPA Target Driven by Funding and Data Programme
In addition to legislative development and mapping, Ireland’s MPA target is supported by EU funding secured through the LIFE programme.
The project will run for nine years with a budget of over €25 million, 60% of which is funded through EU grants, and is intended to assist the State in achieving its 2030 commitment.
The combined focus on legislation, data and funding underpins the Government’s strategy to designate and manage marine protected areas across Irish waters within the required timeframe.