Departmental Inquiries

Tuesday, 17 February 2026

Ceisteanna (317)

Paul Lawless

Ceist:

317. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he is aware of a proposed large-scale seaweed harvesting plan along the Galway and Mayo coastline by a Canadian company (details supplied) which owns an Irish company which is seeking permission to harvest 40,000 tonnes of seaweed wrack; if his Department has concerns in relation to the environmental impact of this proposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12149/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment

The company referred to in the Question previously submitted an application for consent under the Foreshore Act, 1933 as amended, for the purpose of seaweed harvesting. That application has been withdrawn and the foreshore regime that operated under the Foreshore Act 1933 (as amended) has been replaced with the establishment of a new Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (MARA) in July 2023.

Since the establishment of MARA, applicants may apply to the Regulator 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. The MARA shall, before granting a licence, have regard to environmental impacts arising.