A feasibility study to explore the potential for Ireland’s first full-scale marine biorefinery has been officially launched by the Mara Blue initiative, with support from the Smart Regions Enterprise Innovation Scheme and Cork County Council.
The project is being led by Munster Technological University (MTU) in collaboration with Beara based Pure Ocean Algae, and the Castletownbere Fishermens Co-Op and represents a significant step towards exploring Ireland’s potential to be a leader in the sustainable blue bioeconomy.
The Mara Blue feasibility study is being co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the EU through the ERDF Southern, Eastern & Midland Regional Programme 2021-27. The Smart Regions Scheme, implemented and administered by Enterprise Ireland, supports the different regions of the country in harnessing cutting-edge technologies and world-class expertise, and supports initiatives like Mara Blue with supports for early-stage project exploration.
The long-term ambition of the Mara Blue project is to unlock the potential of Ireland’s marine resources, transforming seaweed and fish by-products into high-value products for global markets. The proposed facility is intended to serve as a living lab for developing and demonstrating new products and circular economy solutions, and it is intended it would operate as dedicated, not-for-profit entity.
Pictured at the launch are Josette O’Mullane (Innovation and Enterprise Manager, Rubicon Centre, MTU); Cllr Ann Marie Ahern (deputising for the Cork County Mayor); Darragh Cotter (South West Regional Manager, Enterprise Ireland); John Nolan (Co-Operative Manager, Castletownbere Fishermen’s Co-Op); Michael O’Neill (Founder and CEO, Pure Ocean Algae); Dr Tim Yeomans (Centre Manager, Centre for Applied Bioscience Research, MTU); Professor Maggie Cusack (President, MTU); Cllr Finbarr Harrington; and Patrick Reidy (Programme Manager, Regional Enterprise Plan South West).
Photo: Thalia Greaux.
“The Mara Blue project is more than a facility; it’s a vision for Ireland’s oceans and coastal communities,” said Michael O’Neill, Managing Director of Pure Ocean Algae “it could unlock economic potential, drive innovation, and ensure our marine resources are used sustainably for generations to come.”
Professor Maggie Cusack, MTU President commented “This feasibility study represents the first critical step in bringing this world-class marine biorefinery to life. By demonstrating the viability of a circular, sustainable, and commercially robust blue bioeconomy, the feasibility study will pave the way for the south-west region to become a global leader in marine innovation, environmental stewardship, and regional regeneration.”
Earmarked for Dinish Island, Castletownbere, and subject to validation of the commercial and technical viability of the initiative, the proposed facility will seek to focus on functional foods, nutraceuticals, cosmetics, animal feed, sustainable agricultural inputs, and biomedical ingredients. Through investigating the efficient use of underutilised marine biomass, the proposed initiative seeks to create economic, environmental, and social value while supporting national and EU objectives related to the Green Deal, the Bio-Economy Strategy, and the Sustainable Blue Economy Partnership.
Darragh Cotter, South-West Regional Manger for Enterprise Ireland said that “the feasibility study will enable the evaluation of the technical, commercial, and community potential for a marine biorefinery in the South-West region, which may help realise the long term opportunities for value-add processing and exports of marine bioproducts. Enterprise Ireland looks forward to working closely with the Mara Blue consortium to progress this exciting project proposal.”
The industry consortium includes Pure Ocean Algae (POA), Castletownbere Fishermen’s Co-op (CFC), Oir na Faraige, Wicklow Seaweed Company, Coulagh Bay Sea Farms, VOYA, Carbery Group, and ClonBio Group. These members bring commercial expertise, market access, and scaling potential to the project. Academic institutions, including MTU, UCC, and TUS, as well as Research Centres including Centre for Applied Bioscience Research ensure support for research, training, and innovation.
