European Communities (Marine Strategy Framework) Regulations 2011 (S.I. No. 249 of 2011).

These Regulations require, for purposes of Directive 2008/56/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council, the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, with the assistance of other relevant Ministers, to develop a marine strategy for Ireland’s marine water. For this purpose the Regulations require, within give time limits: (a) an initial assessment of the status of Ireland’s marine waters, a determination of good environmental status and the establishment of a series of environmental targets and associated indicators; (b) the establishment and implementation of monitoring programmes for ongoing assessment and regular updates of targets; and (c) the development of a programme of measures designed to achieve or maintain good environmental status.