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Legislation: Discoveries, Monument Protection & Reporting

All wrecks over 100 years are protected under the National Monuments Acts 1930-2014, and when fully commenced, under the new Historic and Archaeological Heritage and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023. All archaeological objects found from an underwater context, whatever its age, are also protected. A licence is required to dive, survey or disturb any protected wreck site or to search for archaeological objects underwater. Licence applications can be made to the National Monuments Service’s Licensing Section:

Discovery of a UCH site

New discoveries of UCH, such as wreck sites, must be reported to the relevant authorities (NMS or An Garda Siochána) within four days of the discovery. All archaeological objects discovered must be reported to the National Museum of Ireland, Receiver of Wreck or designated person within four days. To inform on whether it is a new site, you can check on the Wreck Viewer and/or the Historic Environment Viewer.

Reporting possible damage or threat to a wreck or other underwater site/object

If you suspect an underwater site such as a shipwreck is being damaged or looted, you should report this to the National Monuments Service:

National Museum of Ireland

All archaeological objects discovered must be reported to the National Museum of Ireland, Receiver of Wreck or designated person within four days. For reports of discoveries of archaeological objects, please contact the Duty Officer, Irish Antiquities Division, National Museum of Ireland, Kildare Street, Dublin 2

Receivers of Wreck Further information on the role of the Receiver of Wreck and contact details of local Receivers are available on revenue.ie.