Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 February 2026
323. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to consider the creation of a national seaweed policy which prioritises ecosystem health; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12662/26]
View answerIreland’s National Marine Planning Framework (NMPF) was adopted in May 2021. The NMPF brings together all marine-based human activities for the first time, outlining the Government’s vision, objectives, and marine planning policies for each marine activity. All public bodies and consenting authorities are required to have regard for the NMPF in exercise of their statutory functions. This is intended to ensure consistency, precautionary and evidence-based decision making across all Departments and agencies.
The NMPF sets out 3 key objectives in relations to seaweed harvesting which are to (i) support the sustainable harvesting of seaweed having regard to the important economic and social contribution it makes to coastal communities; (ii) develop and maintain a fit for purpose regulatory framework that supports sustainable harvesting, ensures that key seaweed species which support multiple vital ecosystems are safeguarded, and respects existing formal and informal rights to harvest and (iii) support ongoing research to build on available data.
A key research project, led by the Marine Institute, entitled a A Socio-Economic Study of Seaweed Harvesting in Ireland, provides baseline socio-economic information regarding seaweed harvesting activity and product usage in Ireland. The report is available at the following link:
The report also sets out a number of recommendations for consideration by industry and policy makers, including the development of a sustainable seaweed harvesting policy. The development of a seaweed policy, led by the most appropriate Government Department, would require significant inter-Departmental engagement and stakeholder consultation given the range of factors (social, economic and environmental) that would need to be considered. My main focus for the marine functions in the Department are to establish a legislative process to support the designation of an ambitious network of Marine Protected Areas through the Maritime Area Planning (Marine Protected Areas) (Amendment) Bill 2026 and to complete the National Designated Marine Area Plan (DMAP) for Offshore Renewable Energy. I have no plans to develop a national seaweed policy.
