Measures to ease pressures on marine life 'ambitious', says O'Brien

The new measures are in addition to the proposed Marine Protected Areas Bill, which aims to protect 30% of the country's maritime area by the end of the decade.

A range of measures aimed at "tackling pressures" on marine life around Ireland includes zoning in on pollution, guidance for new offshore renewable energy, and tackling invasive species threatening sea life.

Housing Minister Darragh O'Brien and Heritage Minister Malcolm Noonan claimed the new package would help the country meet "ambitious" targets to protect biodiversity.