Ecosystem-based planning seeks to identify and understand the important ecological characteristics of an area, and then to design plans to guide the development of ecologically responsible human activities in that space.

Ecosystem-based planning focuses on the diverse benefits provided by functioning marine ecosystems, rather than on any single species, habitat or ecosystem service. All species and habitats are interconnected, so cannot be considered independently. The aim is to ensure that protected species, habitats and the unique ecosystems that support them are all maintained in a favourable condition and kept in balance.

Ireland’s current approach to the development of wind farm infrastructure at sea prioritises development over conservation. While there is much focus on the need to advance construction, long-promised Marine Protected Area (MPA) legislation has been delayed again and again. Even government-commissioned ‘Sensitivity Analyses’ unashamedly ring fence development sites chosen 25 years ago with no environmental constraints, leaving only the dregs for consideration as MPAs. This approach is deeply flawed and non-compliant with EU environmental law.