Ireland has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the Atlantic Ocean and Irish Seas, with Minister of State Timmy Dooley highlighting the importance of European co-operation on marine research, conservation and sustainable development.

Speaking at the Atlantic Summit in Galway, Minister Dooley said Ireland had placed the ocean firmly among its priorities for its Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

He said the Atlantic played a critical role in regulating the climate, supporting biodiversity and food security, and sustaining coastal communities.

The summit brought together researchers, policymakers, industry leaders and innovators to discuss the future of ocean research, marine protection and European ocean policy.

Minister Dooley said the challenges facing the world’s oceans, including climate change, marine heatwaves, pollution and rising sea levels, required a more integrated approach to ocean governance based on scientific evidence.

He also highlighted the importance of investment in marine research and education, and confirmed that Budget 2027 included an enhanced allocation of more than €10 million for the Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (MARA).

The funding is intended to support MARA in its role as regulator of Ireland’s maritime area and in facilitating strategically important projects around the coast.

A key focus of the summit was the forthcoming EU Ocean Act, which is intended to provide a more coherent framework for ocean governance across Europe.

The proposed legislation aims to bring marine planning, environmental protection, scientific research and sustainable economic development together under a common strategic approach.

Minister Dooley said Ireland was also prioritising the Maritime Area Planning (Marine Protected Areas) (Amendment) Bill 2026.

The legislation is intended to support the designation and management of Marine Protected Areas through Designated Maritime Area Plans, helping Ireland meet its obligations to protect 30 per cent of its maritime area by 2030.

The Minister also highlighted Ireland’s support for the international Ocean Eye initiative, which aims to strengthen global ocean observation, improve marine data collection and address gaps in monitoring systems.

He said Europe needed a strong Atlantic agenda capable of bringing together scientific research, innovation, economic opportunity and environmental protection.