Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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140. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the biodiversity impact on marine life of failing to change to renewable energy sources over carbon-based energy sources; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53112/22]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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The Government recognises the importance of protecting biodiversity, which is vital to the future of our society, economy, species, and planet. We also appreciate the need to reduce carbon emissions to safeguard the environment. The Programme for Government: Our Shared Futurereflects these ambitions, setting out numerous commitments to safeguard Ireland’s biodiversity and to drastically reduce emissions over time.

In terms of marine biodiversity, Ireland – as an island nation – has a special relationship with the ocean. We must continue to protect marine biodiversity while supporting coastal communities and securing a sustainable future for the fisheries sector. The Government supports the principles and ambition of the EU Biodiversity Strategy. We have committed to developing comprehensive legislation for the identification, designation, and management of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in Irish territorial waters. I am advised this work is being undertaken by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

As Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, my own responsibility towards the marine environment is to ensure sea-fishing and aquaculture activities are conducted in a manner that avoids the deterioration of designated features of Natura 2000 conservation sites or the significant disturbance of protected species within those sites. The majority of the marine Natura 2000 sites (Special Areas of Conservation and Special Protection Areas) are inshore, within six nautical miles. A series of appropriate assessments and risk assessments have been undertaken by my Department over the years with regard to sea-fishing and aquaculture activities in or near Natura 2000 sites. Mitigation measures have been introduced where required to manage the risks posed to sites.

In respect of offshore fisheries (6-200 nautical mile zone), overarching policy for sea fisheries is set down in the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP). My Department supports the continued development and management of the seas to ensure marine environmental protection, I support the ongoing work of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) and am committed to supporting the Irish fishing industry to operate in a sustainable manner and to continue working towards achieving and maintaining good environmental status in Irish waters.

I would note that the issues raised by the Deputy regarding energy sources would be matters more appropriate for the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, who has responsibility for the environment as well as energy matters and their environmental impacts.

The biodiversity of marine life in Ireland is a matter for the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), which manages the State’s nature conservation responsibilities under national and European law. The NPWS is part of the Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage.