The Irish Marine Federation (IMF) has met Irish Members of the European Parliament, European Commission officials and industry representatives in Brussels to ensure that Ireland's leisure marine sector is represented in the development of European policy.
The meetings took place during European Boating Industry's Public Affairs Day, which brought together representatives from across the European leisure marine sector. Discussions focused on recreational boating, marinas and nautical tourism, and their contribution to the Irish economy.
IMF delegates included Paal Janson, chairman Crónán O’Donnell and Gerry Salmon.
“Our successful meetings in Brussels were a significant step forward for the Irish marine industry. We strengthened our relationships with European Boating Industry and EU policymakers, ensuring Ireland’s voice is heard. Our priority now is to turn this engagement into meaningful action and tangible benefits for our industry,” said O’Donnell.
Coastal Access and VAT
A key issue raised by the federation was the need for marine spatial planning policies to protect access to Ireland's coast and waterways, while recognising recreational boating, marine tourism, marinas and boatyards as important users of marine space.
The IMF also highlighted uncertainty around VAT rules affecting boat purchases and the movement of vessels between Ireland, Northern Ireland and Great Britain following Brexit. It called for greater clarity and consistency for boat owners, brokers and marine businesses.
Marina Investment and Nautical Tourism
Other priorities included a practical approach to collecting, dismantling and recycling end-of-life boats, particularly composite craft, and national and EU funding for marina infrastructure, including shore-side charging, alternative-fuel facilities, climate resilience, digital services and visitor facilities.
The federation also called for greater recognition of nautical tourism, marinas, boat-hire operators and associated marine services in future European tourism, transport and maritime strategies.
Alongside meetings with Irish MEPs and their teams, the IMF engaged with European Commission representatives working on the Single Market, Digitalisation and Enforcement, and Maritime Affairs and Fisheries. The federation said it would continue working with European Boating Industry and its partners as EU policy develops.
