The Irish Marine Federation (IMF) recently met with consultants working towards Ireland’s new marine spatial plan. The EU requires all Member States to develop marine spatial plans by 2021. The current process is examining how best to develop the plan in Ireland. While formulation of the plans themselves will take place in the coming years, the IMF was delighted to be involved at this early stage of the process. A wide range of topics was discussed with the consultants including the need to protect and enhance Ireland’s marine leisure facilities which should not be compromised by other economic activities such as off-shore wind farms and fish farming. Other priorities include water safety, education and training and navigation. It is essential that Ireland’s future marine spatial plans make a positive contribution to the development of marine leisure in Ireland as our coastal waters are an under utilised leisure and tourism resource . Further information on the current process is available here