Licensing Toolkit - Ireland

Avg. duration: 12-18 monthsValidity: Licence specificLegal cost: Hectare dependentAuthority in charge: DAFM

• Define the project: Location, target size, type of equipment and techniques to be used.
• Pay attention to “folios” (i.e., existing harvest rights, even from adjacent landowners), and whether the chosen foreshore area is state-owned (that is not always the case).
• Consider hiring an experienced and well-connected marine engineer as this can be very helpful and significantly increase the chances of success. Alternatively, Ireland’s Seafood Development Agency (BIM) can support the process, e.g., by providing technical expertise or business support. Be aware that BIM will not support operationally.

• DAFM does not provide online information on the regulations that apply to the specific site (e.g., Natura 2000). Learn from experienced farmers and discuss with DAFM.
• DAFM also does not provide access to any marine spatial plans to support site selection. Make sure that you know your selected site and its surroundings well before investing in it.

• A pre-engagement with stakeholders is not compulsory, but well received and can set a valuable basis for the licensing process.

• The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) does not provide public information on which stakeholders should/must be engaged during the later public consultation phase. Learn from experienced farmers and discuss with DAFM to know, and engage them as early as possible.
• The government tends to prioritize other marine activities (e.g., fisheries or windfarms) over seaweed farming. Make sure to have as many stakeholders as possible supporting your application.
• Even though not mandatory, engage with the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht to ensure their support

• Fill in the template “Application For A Lease/ License/ Consent Under The Foreshore Act 1933”.
• Provide information on potential impacts on other marine activity, built heritage, and the environment.
• Applying for the licence does neither require a fee or a deposit.

• Your application requires a Natura statement if it possibly affects a Natura 2000 site or protected species.

• After submission, wait for DAFM to assess your application.

• In case of any questions, DAFM will reach out to you for any clarifications or amendments. Ensure to answer promptly and diligently.

• The application must be published in a local newspaper.
• DAFM will also publish the application on its website.
• The public can submit comments within two months. All objections must be scientifically and legally valid and there is a fee to submit them.

• Publicizing your application in a local newspaper will come at a small fee. Plan accordingly.
• Objections received after the two months cut off will be dismissed, even if valid.

• Objections are first filtered by DAFM who will dismiss baseless objections. Valid objections will be forwarded to you to be addressed, including on how you will mitigate potential issues.

• Opposing stakeholders might hire experts to write legally and scientifically valid objections. Make sure to engage with all stakeholders as early as possible to minimize potential objections this late in the process.

• DAFM sets the licence conditions based on the public consultation and drafts the licence.

• This step can take several months depending on the consultation feedback received. Plan accordingly.

• Licence is granted by the DAFM.

• Install the farm according to the license’s conditions.
• An engineer from DAFM will monitor the installation on an annual basis.

• An annual fee per hectare must be paid.
• Ensure that you are installing the farm within the granted licence.

Dr Stefan Kraan

www.theseaweedcompany.com stefan [dot] kraantheseaweedcompany [dot] com (stefan[dot]kraan[at]theseaweedcompany[dot]com)

Dr Stefan Kraan is currently the Chief Scientific Officer and co-founder of the Seaweed Company.

During his 35 years of experience in the seaweed industry, his roles included business coach to product development.

In addition to being an expert on the Irish seaweed licensing procedure, his expertise includes the cultivation of brown and red seaweeds (Alaria, Saccharina, Gracilaria, Kappaphycus, Asparagopsis, Ulva) and the blending, extractions and development of seaweed bioactives.

Dr Stefan Kraan provides consultancy services for seaweed licensing procedures in addition to general seaweed business consulting and technology transfer.

The Seaweed Company, Ireland, Morocco, India

The Seaweed Company is an international company growing and trading various seaweeds in Ireland, Morocco and India.

Founded by Edwin Sneekes, Joost Wouters and Dr Stefan Kraan in 2018, the Seaweed Company has quickly expanded its seeding, growing, processing and trading operations around the world. As a horizontally integrated company, the Seaweed Company produces and processes its own biomass (for quality assurance) and produces a wide product portfolio ranging from biostimulants to animal feeds (under the TopHealth brand) to health supplements, cosmetics, and bioplastic made from 100% seaweed.

Steadily growing its operations, the Seaweed Company is planning to expand its farming operations to the Netherlands, where it is planning to set up a farming operation in the Groningen floodplain fields and piloting an offshore test site in the Dutch North Sea in addition to exploring opportunities in Africa and Asia.

“If you want to cultivate and produce , and there is the willingness to develop then you will succeed. There are many instruments for funding and help to develop and become successful” – Dr Stefan Kraan

Contact us to be featured as a fellow farmer

Are you an Irish seaweed farmer, or in the last strives of establishing your seaweed farm? If so, we would be interested in featuring you here as an inspiring example for future seaweed farmers. If you would like to be showcased, please contact us at: contacteu4algae [dot] eu (contact[at]eu4algae[dot]eu)