Local fishery projects get funding boost

THERE was a broad welcome for a €417,000 funding pot confirmed last week for local fishery projects.

Louth TD Fergus O’Dowd welcomed the new fund, saying that it would be a boost for the economic and social wellbeing of local coastal communities across the north-east.

Over €200k of grant aid was requested in the North East with nearly double that amount awarded in the end.

The funding is provided under the Fisheries Local Area Action Group (FLAG) Strategy for Ireland’s 7 coastal regions.

Deputy O’Dowd said: “Our local fishery projects have been approved for funding due to their contribution to community rejuvenation, enterprise, innovation, job creation and skills enhancement across the fishing, aquaculture and maritime industries.

‘Seafood and its wider role in the community is at the core of this innovative programme and it is the diverse nature of the projects funded under the scheme that illustrates the true value of the seafood industry to our coastal communities and also the potential for further growth in the years ahead.

Over 200 project applications were received under the FLAG Scheme this year across our coastal regions.

‘As part of the final 153, we will receive funding for projects ranging from Marine Tourism, Seafood Development and Production , Community Lead Initiatives, and supports for Small Scale Coastal Fishermen.

‘Following the official launch of the EMFF FLAG Scheme on the 1st February this year, I am delighted that our local projects have received funding as part of a €3.6 million in total investment nationally.

‘It is testament to the hard work and dedication of our volunteer FLAG Board members here locally and in each of our 7 FLAG regions that this year’s programme has delivered so many innovative projects.’