Irish Marine Federation Gives ‘Cautious Thumbs-Up’ to the Resumption of Recreational Boating

May 6, 2020 / No Comments

The Irish Marine Federation has given a cautious thumbs-up to the resumption of recreational boating in line with the Government’s COVID-19 Restrictions ‘Roadmap’.

The IMF, the national organisation representing both commercial and leisure sectors of the marine industry in Ireland, has been working with Government, industry and marine trade associations worldwide during the Covid19 pandemic to ensure that our members are kept informed of the necessary measures to help to come through this most difficult of times.
With the publication of the Roadmap for reopening society and business, the IMF believes that the time for safe and responsible recreational boating is very near.

Internationally it has shown that it is possible for family-units to return to outdoor recreation in compliance with both medical and government guidelines. In addition, boats require regular safety and maintenance checks which can be best carried out by owners or qualified contractors.
The IMF says it is strongly encouraged that these actions can be carried out in accordance with the government roadmap and that Monday, May 18th is the earliest date at which there should be a limited return to recreational boating. The government guidelines are clear and restrictions such as travel distances must be adhered to for the greater public good.

As part of the industry-wide promotion of recreational boating, the IMF and its members will support the international #back2boating campaign to encourage marine recreation once again with the easing of Covid19 restrictions.

The Irish Marine Federation will continue to monitor the situation and make further updates as appropriate in line the Government’s Roadmap for reopening society and business.

Marine based tourism and leisure a billion Euro industry in Ireland.

June 14, 2019 / No Comments

The 2019 Harnessing Our Ocean Wealth Summit was another highly successful gathering and illustrates again the extent to which the government supports the marine sector.

Key note speakers at the summit included the Tánaiste, Simon Coveney, Ministers Michael Creed and Damien English, as well as the former US Secretary of State, John Kerry.

The most prominent themes this year included the environment, sustainable fisheries and emerging technologies. A big shift from the focus on Oil and Gas that featured so heavily in previous sessions.

Integral to the government strategy is the National Marine Planning Framework on which the IMF gives advice and support to the Ministerial committee.

Also launched during the summit was the latest economic report entitled ‘Ireland’s Ocean Economy’. Of interest here is the marine tourism and leisure sector, truly the sleeping giant of the marine sector. According to the report, compiled by Semru, the social-economic marine research unit, the marine tourism and leisure sector has an annual turnover in excess of €1bn and employees almost 16,000 people.

The Irish Marine Federation is a key player in this sector and was at the summit to ensure that the voice of its members is being represented and heard. We will continue to work with the various State bodies involved in the marine sector and ensure that proper recognition and support is giving to our thriving coastal communities and businesses.

Irish Marine Federation Members at Boot Düsseldorf Boat Show

February 15, 2019 / No Comments

IMF members meet with Prestige Yachts. Photo: David O'Brien

As the Boot Düsseldorf boat show grows in size and importance, so do the Irish in attendance. This year saw Federation members, including MGM Boats and BJ Marine, promoting their brands and doing brisk business.

Since the demise of the London Boat Show, the Irish are now heading to Düsseldorf in January to see the latest designs on display in the numerous halls of the largest indoor boat show in the world. IMF Members reported a very positive mood among the 250,000 people who attended the show.

In addition, the IMF held high level meetings with both ICOMIA and the European Boating Industry, where it represented members interests and extended contacts with EU officials.

If you haven’t been, this is the show to go to. Direct flights to Düsseldorf airport and a free shuttle bus make it a fast and convenient affair. It takes two days to do the show justice, but the contacts, new products and new designs will justify the footwork involved in seeing it all.

If the IMF can help to get your business on display to the international market, contact us at chairman@irishmarinefederation.com

Irish Marine Federation Makes Marine Spatial Plan Submission

December 20, 2018 / No Comments

The Chairman of the Irish Marine Federation (IMF) has said barriers to investment and sustainability around the Irish coastline have for ‘too long stymied growth in the marine sphere’. Paal Janson, who became chairman of the trade body last month, made the remarks as the IMF presented its submission on Marine Spatial Planning framework.

The proposed new legislation is one of the most significant pieces of national maritime law for several decades. The new regulations will deal with when and where human activities can take place at sea and ensure these activities are as efficient and sustainable as possible.

The IMF is the national organisation representing both commercial and leisure sectors of the marine industry in Ireland.

The IMF is part of the Government’s Advisory Group on Marine Spatial planning and Paal Janson has a seat at the table to ensure that the voice of its members is heard.

As well as many opportunities, the proposed legislation brings a number of possible threats to recreational craft users and it is important that such threats are fully considered.

“Only through a process of continued engagement with all the relevant stakeholders, across all sectors, can we bring about an integrated policy that will be for the mutual benefit of all parties involved,” Paal Janson, who is the General Manager of Dun Laoghaire Marina on Dublin Bay, told Afloat.ie

“The significance and importance of Ireland’s coastal infrastructure to promote jobs, investment and economic sustainability should not be underestimated”, he added

The steps towards delivering a planning system for the seas around Ireland were set–out by Government in 2017.

Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government Eoghan Murphy and Minister Damien English published ‘Towards a Marine Spatial Plan for Ireland’ for the development of Ireland’s first marine spatial plan which ultimately aims to balance the different demands for using the sea including the need to protect the marine environment.

For further information on this story, please see afloat.ie

Irish Marine Federation Stand Opens At London Boat Show

January 8, 2016 / No Comments

The Irish Marine Federation (IMF) is promoting a necklace of over 60 Irish coastal marinas and pontoons as a central theme of its London Boat Show promotion that opens at ExCeL in London’s Docklands this morning.

The IMF is supporting the Irish Marina Operators Association (IMOA) who are keen to attract more visiting UK boats to Ireland this Summer. Eight Irish marinas have made the ‘voyage’ to London to promote their coastal facilities to the estimated 100,000 UK boating enthusiasts that will visit the international show over the next ten days. Marinas from Eight Irish Counties are represented on the stand including Dublin marinas at Dun Laoghaire and Malahide and Cork Harbour Marinas at Royal Cork Yacht Club in Crosshaven along with Greystones marina in Couty Wicklow, Carlingford marina in County Louth and Kilrush Marina in County Clare, Kimore Quay in Wexford and Fenit in County Kerry are among Irish marina representatives manning the Irish stand. ‘The aim is to assist UK visitors planning a trip across the Irish sea this Summer to enjoy the full benefits of the Irish coast’ says IMF Board Member Gerry Salmon of MGM Boats who has co–ordinated the Irish stand and hopes it will be the start of a regular appearance for Ireland at the International exhibition.

Members and non-members are most welcome to call by the stand F046, conveniently located near the Guinness stand.

Irish Stand At London Boat Show, Xcel 2016

November 27, 2015 / No Comments

The Irish Marine Federation aims to take a stand to promote Irish marine businesses at the forthcoming London boat show 2016 (8th to 17th January at EXCEL London).

The idea behind this initiative is to highlight Ireland as a nearby boating destination with plenty of travel connections for UK sailors and boaters.

Ireland is the only English speaking Euro based country in Europe offering very competitive pricing on: marina berths, boatyard facilities, sailing schools plus a variety of boating services when compared to UK stg prices.

As a joint initiative, the Irish stand gives firms the opportunity to promote at a fraction of the cost of attending on an individual basis.

Well known Irish sailing administrator Ciara Dowling will represent the IMF at the 10 day show.

There will be a limited amount of wall space for Irish companies to advertise and Ciara will be able to go through options directly with those interested.

As time is of the utmost importance coming into Christmas we hope to agree arrangements by 10th December

If you would like to get involved please email Ciara on or contact on: IMFatLondonBoatShow2016@gmail.com

The IMF Board member co-ordinating the London stand is Gerry Salmon on: + 353 (0)87 277 0291

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