Ireland’s biodiversity is reaching a tipping point. For decades, Ireland has lacked effective Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) — leading to widespread habitat degradation and an alarming decline in marine species. The now critically endangered angel shark population has plummeted by 90% since the early 1900s, while puffins face the threat of extinction. In fact, recent studies show that 65% of Ireland’s coastal habitats are considered ecologically unhealthy. That’s why we need your help.
Time is running out for Ireland’s seas.
It’s been nearly a year since the government promised to publish a Marine Protected Area (MPA) bill — but with fewer than 30 sitting days left before the Dáil summer recess, this vital legislation still hasn’t been introduced.
With less than one year left before the current government ends, the bill must be published urgently and moved effectively through the different stages of the Oireachtas in time if it is to have a chance of being passed at all. More than 53,000 of you have joined the call by signing the petition — now, you can help us build on this momentum by taking your advocacy one step further.
Together with Fair Seas, we’ve developed a template letter that you can personalise and send using our custom email tool. Your letter will be sent directly to Minister Darragh O’Brien and Minister Malcolm Noonan, helping put pressure on these elected leaders to act swiftly for the future of Ireland’s seas.
Government inaction is endangering Ireland’s marine life and ecosystems. Now more than ever, it’s critical that we raise our voices to demand that the ministers in charge publish the MPA bill immediately and prioritise its passage into law. Will you join us?