SEAWEED COULD BOOST WEST OF IRELAND ECONOMY
Date Published: 23-Aug-2012
Irish seaweed has been called the "gold dust" of the west coast by MEP Jim Higgins.
The North West MEP says Ireland's seaweed is an untapped natural resource.
He's urging the Ministers for the Environment and Enterprise to look at expanding the seaweed industry to meet international market demands and provide business and jobs growth across the country.
NUI Galway says there are 580 different types of seaweed in the country which can be used in various industries including food, health and beauty.
China, Japan and Korea are world leaders in the supply of seaweed internationally and MEP Higgins believes Ireland has the capacity to compete within this market.