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

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

The AGM of the Irish Marina Operators Association (IMOA) took place recently at the end of another successful season. The news from around the coast is that visitor numbers are excellent with Irish marinas attracting large numbers of boats from Britain, France and Norway in particular. Superyachts continue to see Ireland as a new and exciting destination as well as smaller cruising boats from all over the world. Some marinas are filling up again with demand being seen for larger berths in particular. Marina operators are also investing significant sums to upgrade and improve the existing facilities.

On the marketing front, the recent Southampton Boat Show was a success for a number of members who exhibited there. There is an appetite to market Ireland as a marine leisure destination and it is hoped that further marketing in the UK can be carried out.

The topic of dredging was discussed at length and the members aired their frustration at the drawn-out process to receive permission to carry out maintenance works. Similarly it was disappointing to hear that there is still no movement on the Maritime Area and Foreshore (Amendment) Bill 2013. The lack of progress on this front is potentially damaging for the industry as a whole.

Finally, it was agreed by all members that there is a change in the outlook of customers/boat owners and a more positive attitude is evident right around the coast.

The Irish Marine Federation (IMF) meets in Dublin tomorrow to address priorities in the months ahead after a torrid time for the marine industry in Ireland.

In a notice to members Chairman David O’Brien says ‘like all small businesses, the IMF is building anew after recession’.

In a cautious note of optimism, O’Brien adds ‘Although it still remains to be seen if we really have ‘turned a corner’, as our politicians like to tell us, nothing can stay dormant indefinitely.

The IMF expect new opportunities to arise as the economy improves and consumer confidence grows.

O’Brien explains that it the IMF was only able to keep afloat in recession by slashing costs and running almost entirely by volunteer committee.

‘We may be a long way from the dizzy heights of the IMF 2006 Boat Show at the RDS but equally we’re a long way from 1984 when VAT was 35%, the top rate of income tax 65% and mortgage rates hit 16%. Even then we managed to run a show…! he adds,

In whatever form the next wave of activity comes, the IMF says it is ready and waiting to embark on a new chapter for the industry.

The IMF is keen to take on board views and suggestions and is on a recruitment drive.

The IMF gam takes place tomorrow at the National Yacht Club in Dun Laoghaire followed by a meeting of its Board who will focus on identifying IMF priorities for 2015 and 2016.