Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 February 2026
322. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to consider postponing licenses being granted for industrial scale harvesting of wild seaweed along the Irish cost; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12661/26]
View answerThe enactment of the Marine Area Planning (MAP) Act, 2021 initiated the transition to a new Maritime Regulatory Regime overseen by the Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (MARA). This has led to the gradual phasing out of operations under the Foreshore Act of 1933 (as amended), with new foreshore applications no longer accepted since the MARA’s establishment.
Applicants may apply to the MARA for a licence to harvest seaweed, in accordance with Schedule 7 of the Maritime Area Planning Act 2021, which provides for Maritime Usages that may be undertaken pursuant to the granting of a Licence.
Before granting a licence, the MARA shall, have regard to any environmental impacts and other relevant statutory criteria. MARA is an independent agency with statutory responsibility for the performance of its functions, including the assessment and granting of Maritime Area Consents (MACs) and Maritime Usage Licences (MULs).
