Evaluating conditions for transboundary Marine Spatial Planning: Challenges and opportunities on the island of Ireland

• Published in: Marine policy Vol. 51; pp. 86 - 95
• Main Authors: Flannery, Wesley, O’Hagan, Anne Marie, O’Mahony, Cathal, Ritchie, Heather, Twomey, Sarah
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.01.2015
• Subjects: Assessments; Benefits; Boundaries; Convergence; Cooperation; Institutionalism; International marine governance; Ireland; Islands; Jurisdiction; Legal aspects; Marine; Marine resources; Marine Spatial Planning; Maritime borders; Maritime law; Neighbouring; Northern Ireland; Policies; Policy convergence; Spatial analysis; Transboundary marine planning; Transnational institutions; United Kingdom; Water; British Isles, Northern Ireland; Eire; Policy convergence; International marine governance; Transnational institutions; Marine Spatial Planning; Transboundary marine planning
• ISSN: 0308-597X; 1872-9460
• DOI: 10.1016/j.marpol.2014.07.021

Transboundary cooperation is viewed as an essential element of Marine Spatial Planning (MSP). While much of the MSP literature focuses on the need for, and benefits of, transboundary MSP, this paper explores the political and institutional factors that may facilitate the effective transition to such an approach. Drawing on transboundary planning theory and practice, key contextual factors that are likely to expedite the transition to transboundary MSP are reviewed. These include: policy convergence in neighbouring jurisdictions; prior experience of transboundary planning; and good working relations amongst key actors. Based on this review, an assessment of the conditions for transboundary MSP in the adjoining waters of Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland is undertaken. A number of recommendations are then advanced for transboundary MSP on the island of Ireland, including, the need to address the role of formal transboundary institutions and the lack of an agreed legal maritime boundary. The paper concludes with some commentary on the political realities of implementing transboundary MSP. •A framework to explore contextual factors for transboundary MSP is developed.•A common conceptualisation of MSP is apparent in both jurisdiction.•Potential for transboundary MSP, though number of issues remain.•Need to address issue surrounding existing transboundary institutions.•Sub-national institutions may contribute to transboundary MSP.