A temporary maritime exclusion zone off the Co Wicklow coast is to come into force from Friday (28 August) as part of what authorities describe as a “major security operation”. The Department of Transport has issued Marine Notice No. 42 of 2026 advising shipowners, fishing vessels, yachtsmen and other seafarers that an exclusion zone and a larger outer control area will operate in waters off Newcastle Beach, Co Wicklow, until 2 September.
The restrictions have been introduced at the request of An Garda Síochána, with the Minister for Transport directing their establishment under Section 38 of the Maritime Safety Act 2005, as amended.
Inner Zone Closed to Marine Traffic
Entry to the Inner Exclusion Zone is prohibited unless specifically authorised by An Garda Síochána or another State agency involved in the security operation.
Charts accompanying the Marine Notice show the restricted area extending offshore from the coastline around Newcastle and northwards towards the Kilcoole and Greystones area.
The Department stresses that it issued the notice solely to advise mariners of the navigational restrictions. Direct questions about the underlying security operation or requests for access to An Garda Síochána or the Naval Service picket ship.
Outer Control Zone Extends Offshore
A substantially larger Outer Control Zone will also operate off the Wicklow coast.
Outer Limits – The larger Outer Control Zone extends offshore from the Wicklow coast, with vessels subject to operational directions during the security operation
Scheduled commercial traffic travelling to and from Dublin Port may continue to transit this area, subject to operational directions from An Garda Síochána, the Naval Service or other authorised personnel.
Other vessels may be instructed to remain clear or divert around the area. Vessels seeking to enter the outer zone must first contact the Naval Service picket ship.
LE Samuel Beckett On Picket Duty
The Naval Service vessel LE Samuel Beckett has been designated as the picket ship for the operation.
Vessels seeking entry to the Outer Control Zone are instructed to contact LE Samuel Beckett, callsign EIYY, on VHF Channel 67. Requests for access to, or transit through, the Inner Exclusion Zone must be specifically authorised, and the Department reiterates that entry is otherwise prohibited.
The temporary restrictions are scheduled to remain in operation until Wednesday, 2 September.
