The Irish marine industry gathered at the Royal Cork Yacht Club in Crosshaven, Cork Harbour, on Monday, December 9th, for a pre-Christmas review of its activities in 2024.

A key topic on the agenda was the establishment of a new marine industry showcase event scheduled for 2025, as well as Ireland’s participation in Europe’s largest boat show, Boot Düsseldorf, taking place next January.

The meeting was chaired by Gerry Salmon of MGM Boats (pictured centre) and included notable attendees such as Ian O’Meara of Viking Marine, Cronan O’Donnell of POD Marine, Paal Janson of Dun Laoghaire Marina, Porick Murray of Pontoons Ireland, David O’Brien of Afloat, Mark Ring of Royal Cork, and James Kirwan of BJ Marine.

Additionally, the gathering featured a meetup with local marine businesses at the Crosshaven clubhouse.

This article originally appeared in Afloat.ie

Following a new agreement between the British Marine and the Irish Marine Federation (IMF), the first IMF member has taken advantage of this agreement to complete a British Marine-hosted course.

James Kirwan completed the Intermediate Marina Managers course, representing both the IMF and Greystones Harbour Marina, during the four-day programme at Hayling Island. This is seen as the first step in what is a fantastic opportunity for IMF members to access the British Marine training programme, which is widely regarded as the gold standard for marine businesses. The training programme covers all aspects of marine businesses.

At the Southampton Boat Show in September 2024, a delegation of board members from the Irish Marine Federation met with their British Marine Federation counterparts to explore the benefits of working closely together on various subjects. The goal was to provide the opportunity to support and strengthen Irish Marine businesses and, by doing so, improve the experience for those who use Irish waters.

Training became a focal point for a mutually beneficial arrangement and both the BMF and IMF are delighted to have this partnership up and running.

This article originally appeared in Afloat.ie

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.

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