Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
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169. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the details of any work being carried out or commissioned by his Department with regard to the development of strategies for the wild and farmed seaweed sectors, as referred to in a document (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25055/23]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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The National Strategic Plan for Sustainable Aquaculture Development recognised that the potential for seaweed in Ireland remains underdeveloped but that the sector is attracting new entrants and is highly innovative. It was recognised that as capacity in the Irish sector builds, there is a need for development agencies to innovate and provide support. Following on from this, on 15 May 2023 Bord Iascaigh Mhara published its “Review of the Irish Seaweed Aquaculture Sector & Strategy for its Development to 2030”. It contains a review of the Irish sector, examples from other European states and a review of different segments within the seaweed sector. The strategy which follows is based on three pillars including build and sustain the sector, establish and grow the market, and secure and safeguard the future.

There are three further documents which were published to accompany the strategy including a Technical Report on Seaweed Hatchery & Sea grow-out site design, A Strategic Review of Irish Macro Algae Cultivation, and Irish Macro-Algal Cultivation Strategy to 2030 - Interviewee feedback.

The strategy and accompanying documents relate solely to the farmed seaweed sector as wild seaweed management falls within the responsibility of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.