A public consultation on the Ireland’s National Maritime Oil and HNS Spill Contingency Plan has opened

A public consultation on the Ireland’s National Maritime Oil and HNS Spill Contingency Plan has opened.

The Irish Coast Guard (IRCG), a division of the Department of Transport, is seeking input to a review of Ireland's National Maritime Oil and HNS Spill Contingency Plan known as the National Contingency Plan (NCP) and related Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). The NCP, which was first published in 2020, sets out a national framework for preparedness, response, recovery and interagency coordination relating to maritime casualties and marine pollution incidents along our coasts and at sea - within Ireland’s Exclusive Economic Zone.

Since its publication, there have been several advances in the management and prevention of maritime casualty and pollution incidents internationally, both from a legislative and technological perspective. It is considered timely to review the planning process in light of these changes in conjunction with interested parties and relevant stakeholders.

The IRCG has designed a survey (please find link to survey here to help capture public and stakeholder views, particularly those with an interest in prevention, preparedness and response management - having regard to potential impacts of such incidents on wildlife, local industries, and the environment. Participation in the survey is strongly encouraged as responses received will assist IRCG in its review and in its objective to develop an updated NCP. The survey, will remain open until 5pm on 4 November 2026.

For further information, please click here.