#OUR OCEAN WEALTH - The Irish Marine Federation's (IMF) submission to the Government's consultation process on harnessing the potential of Ireland's vast marine resources has been published online.
In the submission, the trade federation representing all aspects of the marine industry outlines its position for Our Ocean Wealth, the outline for an integrated Marine Plan for Ireland launched by Minister for the Marine Simon Coveney earlier this year.
Regarding the potential for marine leisure tourism, the IMF emphasises Ireland's strengths in cruising, sailing and angling, plus diving, surfing and other extreme sports, as well as the "potential for developing new products around eco tourism".
According to the report: "The sea and our coastline should be treated as if it were a public park with free access to the public with proper facilities in place to ensure sustainability."
Further to this involves the provision of "more egalitarian access to the sea and to safe harbours or marina berthing availability".
A number of "impediments to development" are also highlighted in the submission, ranging from the need for reform of the Foreshore Act to the inconsistent approach of local authorities to the development of Ireland's coastal resources.
The IMF submission is available as a PDF to read or download HERE.
