The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Eamon Gilmore T.D. has signed the Agreement establishing a single maritime boundary between the Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ) and continental shelves of Ireland and the UK. The signing ceremony took place in Dublin on Friday with the British Ambassador to Ireland, Dominick Chilcott.
The Agreement brings legal certainty to boundary issues which will improve protection of fisheries, the marine environment and marine biodiversity and removes a potential obstacle to the development of offshore renewable energy projects.
In welcoming the Agreement the Tánaiste said:
‘This Agreement resolves legal uncertainty on boundary issues with the UK and establishes a clear framework for the Government’s efforts to encourage and facilitate the sustainable development of our marine resources in the seafood, oil and gas, renewable energy and biotechnology sectors.’
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Press release, April 3, 2013; Image: flirk