Seaweed Harvesting
Dail Éireann — 2026-07-01
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Timmy Dooley (FF), Clare

I want to make the Deputy aware that MARA has a statutory function. It is an independent regulatory authority. I would not be in a position, nor would the law permit me, to influence the work it does. In the adjudication of any licence application, it will have to follow the legislation as it stands and would not be minded to consider what we might be discussing in this House or what any future proposal might be. However, as I indicated to the Deputy, we want to bring forward proposals that would, insofar as possible, provide support to those traditional harvesters in recognition of the rights that have been established over a prolonged period of time. I want officials to pursue it insofar as is legally possible so that we can provide assurances, give recognition of those rights even in circumstances where documented rights are not established on folios, etc., and find a registration process that would comply with the law. In line with the law since MARA's statutory establishment, applicants may apply to the regulator for a licence to harvest seaweed in accordance with Schedule 7 of the 2021 Act, which provides for maritime usage that may be undertaken pursuant to the granting of a licence.
Before granting any licence, MARA shall, of course, have regard to any environmental impacts arising. As I said, MARA is within its rights. MARA has a large volume of applications relating to matters right across its remit, whether it be in respect of offshore renewables, Irish Water applications or seaweed harvesting. There is a large volume of work has yet to be concluded.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/dail/2026-07-01/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-09-14T01:01:06+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-07-01