“The exact location of the international boundary between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland through Loughs Carlingford and Foyle remains an issue for determination…”

In January 2012 I suggested there might be some cause for optimism that the unresolved issue of the delimitation of the territorial water boundary between the UK and the Republic of Ireland could be, erm, resolved.  As the then Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Eamon Gilmore, TD, said at the time. Recently the two Governments agreed to address issues relating to both Lough Foyle and Carlingford Lough in the round. A first meeting of officials took place last week in London. While the …

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“Recently the two Governments agreed to address issues relating to both Lough Foyle and Carlingford Lough in the round”

Here’s something that could develop into something quite interesting.  It follows on from the “Memorandum of Understanding reached by the two Governments with the support of the Northern Ireland Executive… on marine jurisdictional issues.”  As I said then If you were wondering why the lines stop at the entrances to the respective Loughs, that would be because there is still no full agreement between Ireland and the United Kingdom on the delimitation of a territorial water boundary – hence the “Without prejudice to …

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“Without prejudice to the negotiation of territorial sea boundaries…”

The Northern Ireland Energy Minister, the DUP’s Arlene Foster, has welcomed the “announcement by The Crown Estate of two parallel Leasing Rounds for offshore wind and tidal stream development as new sources of renewable energy for Northern Ireland.”  The Crown Estate website has more details here. From the Minister’s press release Arlene Foster said: “Today’s announcement by The Crown Estate opens up new Leasing Rounds in Northern Ireland waters. This marks a major step forward in the growth of our …

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