The Maritime Area Planning Act 2021 and the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011
Invitation for Public Submissions on an Application for a Maritime Usage Licence and an Appropriate Assessment
National Oceanography Centre has submitted an application to the Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (“MARA”) for a maritime usage licence under Section 117 of the Maritime Area Planning Act 2021 to undertake systematic scientific surveys in the deep-sea Whittard Canyon and Gollum Channel.The duration requested in the licence application is for a period of 1 ½ years.
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A related Natura Impact Statement has been submitted with the above licence application. The licence application and the Natura Impact Statement are available for inspection on MARA’s website https://www.maritimeregulator.ie/application/mul250021 and at the following address by appointment– Maritime Area Regulatory Authority, 2nd Floor, Menapia House,
Drinagh Business Park, Drinagh, Wexford, Y35 RF29. Members of the public who wish to make a submission in writing to MARA on the licence application and the Natura Impact Statement may do so quoting MUL250021 by email to [email protected] or by post to Maritime Usage Licensing, Maritime Area Regulatory Authority, 2nd Floor, Menapia House, Drinagh Business Park, Drinagh, Wexford, Y35 RF29.
The closing date and time for a written submission to be received by MARA is 17.30 on 06/07/2026. MARA will then, as soon as practicable, carry out the appropriate assessment determination in accordance with Regulation 42 of the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011. After the determination, MARA will either grant, part grant or refuse the licence application.
Dated this 2nd day of June 2026.
Signed:
Dr Michael Clare - Representative of National Oceanography Centre, UK.
