Consultation response to the Draft National Ports Policy
July 2026
The Environmental Pillar’s MAREIRE project welcomes the opportunity to contribute to the Government of Ireland’s public consultation on the Draft National Ports Policy. The Environmental Pillar is a network of thirty-eight national NGOs working to promote sustainable development and environmental protection. MARÉIRE, the “Marine Renewable Energy and the Irish Environment” Project, aims to advance and lead research, policy and advocacy in relation to marine biodiversity and offshore renewable energy (ORE), and to ensure that environmental protection remains at the forefront of decision-making, policy and planning whilst meeting our targets for renewable energy.
We recognise the important roles ports play in achieving offshore wind targets, as well as ensuring a just transition through the creation of jobs that can support the development of the ORE industry. With such significant investments projected in Europe and Ireland to enable these targets, it is crucial that the impacts on nature and biodiversity are considered carefully and early. Owing to their position at the intersection of different ocean industries, ports have the opportunity to drive a sustainable and equitable transition across the blue economy.
