Irish seaweed permits and access

The information on this page is provided without prejudice. Please see Pendleton, A. & Carr, L.M. (2022). Conflict between traditional and modern governance structures in Irish seaweed harvesting. Local Government 28(1): 1-18 for furthere discussion and information Download PDF.

Collection permits and access

In the Republic of Ireland, a licence is generally required from the State for the collection or removal of seaweed for anything other than small amounts for personal use; however, permission may separately be required where the State does not own the foreshore rights or access to the shore is restricted.The relevant page on the departmental site is not entirely clear in respect of seaweed and speaks only of "sea-fish" and Werner & Kraan (2004) comment:

"The legislation for seaweed harvesting is based on the Foreshore Acts 1933 - 1998. It is stated that the foreshore is State owned. The foreshore comprises the seabed and shore below the line of high water at medium tide and extends outwards to the limit of twelve nautical miles. Under Section 3(1) the Minister for Communications, the Marine and Natural Resources (DCMNR) [now the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine] is empowered to grant licences for the removal of seaweeds, whether growing or rooted on the seabed (out to 12 miles), or deposited or washed upon the beach."

In the Republic, the foreshore (from high water out to 12 miles) usually belongs to the State (but not always and some individuals have rights to it) and it and the EU have certain rights to regulate access and use, particularly in certain areas. In the North of Ireland the foreshore generally belongs to the Crown Estate but may be leased to other bodies.

Another exception is where inherited rights to seaweed collection exist (often called "folio" rights: akin to "turbary" rights, although this word specifically applies to turf), which are rights to collect, harvest and remove seaweed inherited as part of an individual's estate.

In both juristictions access to the foreshore may be restricted by the adjacent landowners and permission may be required for access.

Contacts for further information or clarification