'Time is running out': Delay in legislation to protect marine areas criticised

The marine bill aims to cement the country's ambition to protect 30% of its maritime area by the end of the decade. Picture: AP/Armando Franca

Environmental campaigners have hit out at a further delay to long-awaited legislation to protect marine areas, which will now not be published until after the Dáil's summer recess.

Campaigners had hoped to see the Marine Protected Areas Bill published in May, but it will now be published in the autumn following "intensive work" between parliamentary bill drafters and civil servants.