Seaweed cutters unite to keep foreshore access
With seaweed a valuable raw material for industry, there has been an increase in foreshore licence applications, for its harvesting, to the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government.
Hundreds of cutters have attended public meetings in Connemara, to maintain their role in the seaweed industry and to hold onto selling rights.
Seaweed is used as an ingredient in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, fertilisers, organic food and animal health supplements.
Licensing of seaweed harvesting is under review, in the context of the proposed Maritime Area and Foreshore (Amendment) Bill.
The Foreshore Act 1933 prohibits the removal of beach material, including seaweed.
However, folio rights may exist in certain cases, and deeds to privately-owned land adjacent to the foreshore may grant limited harvesting rights, said Kathleen Lynch, TD, when she recently took a question in the Senate, on seaweed-harvesting licences, from Sinn Féin’s Senator Trevor ” Clochartaigh.
“While private individuals may have been taking seaweed in small quantities for personal use, harvesting large quantities, which might damage the seaweed crop in a particular area, or have adverse effects on the marine environment, is something that Ireland needs to avoid,” said Ms Lynch.
