Seaweed cutter is threatened on the beach
A seaweed harvester in Conamara has complained of intimidation by two cutters who are associated with a leading company.
The man was cutting seaweed along the shore near his home in the Conamara Gaeltacht last week when he was allegedly threatened by two seaweed cutters who supply Arramara.
A spokesperson for Acadian Seaplants, the Canadian parent company of Arramara, which is based in Cill Chiaráin, said the allegations were ‘concerning’.
It’s understood that the man who was threatened has been advised by Gardaí to use a GoPro camera while out cutting seaweed. This is video equipment that will record interactions with anyone who is intimidating and can be used to prosecute.
He alleged he was approached by two cutters who supply Arramara and was ‘intimidated’ and ‘forced to stop cutting and leave the area’.
The man complained directly to the company, and copied Galway West TDs, and Minister for Housing, Darragh O’Brien.
Management of Acadian Seaplants Limited, which owns Arramara, said a code of conduct was a ‘great idea that will be taken under consideration’.
Mr Morrissey said the allegations made were ‘very concerning’ to him and colleagues at Arramara.
“This is not the type of behaviour we condone nor is it the type of behaviour that we will accept from suppliers, contractors, employees or harvesters,” he said.
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