Robert O'Donoghue (Dublin Fingal West, Labour)
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1251. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the supports that exist for seaweed supplement producers; the way in which the Government intends to protect and develop the national seaweed sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10861/25]

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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My Department has responsibility for the licensing of aquaculture operations, including those farming seaweed. Wild harvesting of seaweed is outside the remit of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

I am aware of the increasing interest in seaweed aquaculture production at EU level, and I know that there is potential for growth in this area in Ireland.

The National Strategic Plan for Sustainable Aquaculture Development (NSPSA) 2030 sets out 58 actions, including an action to encourage opportunities for low trophic aquaculture species such as seaweed that can contribute to a low carbon economy. Implementation of the NSPSA is progressing, and it will provide a framework for my Department, working with industry and our marine agencies, to progress the development of the aquaculture sector, including seaweed aquaculture.

In 2023, Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) published a review and strategy for the development of the seaweed sector (BIM-IMAS-Strategy.pdf), and also published a strategic review of the micro-algae sector (BIM-IMAS-Strategic-Review.pdf). These too will inform and support implementation of the NSPSA.

Under our Seafood Development Programme, which is co-funded by the Irish government and the EU Commission under the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF), a number of direct supports to the aquaculture sector are in place. In addition to the technical and advisory services provided to operators by BIM, there are a number of schemes administered by BIM. These include a Sustainable Aquaculture Scheme, supporting capital investment; a Seafood Training Scheme and Seafood Capacity Building Scheme.

Processors who have the necessary approvals from the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority and are processing seaweed for human consumption may be eligible to apply for funding under the Seafood Processing Capital Investment Scheme, also administered by BIM. Details of all funding schemes are available on www.bim.ie.

I am aware that other state bodies such as Local Enterprise Offices and Údarás Na Gaeltachta may also provide support to operators in the seaweed aquaculture sector.

Implementation of the NSPSA forms part of our Seafood Development Programme, and further schemes may be developed for the sector under the programme as implementation progresses, should the need be identified by the NSPSA Implementation Steering Group.