€162k grant for marine projects

TEN marine fishery, transport and safety projects and businesses in Kerry are to share in state funding of €162,000.

The local fishery action groups will receive the funding under the Bord Iascaigh Mhara administered EU and Government financed Fisheries Local Action Group (FLAG) Strategy.

Newly installed Housing Minister Brendan Griffin announced details of the Kerry funding package at a breakfast meeting at Jack’s Coastgaurd Restauant in Cromane on Monday.

The projects that will receive funding are as follows:

Maharees Heritage will receive €7,840 to promote Naomhóg racing andf building. The Dingle Peninsula Tourism Alliance will receive €23,740 to aid in the development of a Blueway strategy for coastal villages.

€7,720 will got to Comharchuma Forbartha an Leith Triíigh to help sustain the fishing indestry and heritage of Cloghane and Brandon.

The Tralee Oyster Fisheries Society will get €3,300 for a socio-economic review of Tralee Bay. Cromane Community Council will receive €6,400 to fund a local socio-economic plan.

Valentia boat building company Murphy Marine Services – which employs 14 – will receive €62,832 to help the business expand. The company will provide its own matching investment.

€15,000 will go to Derrynane Inshore Rescue to fund the purchase of a new D Class small rescue boat.

The Fenit Coastal Rowing Club are to get €4,500 to purchase a new boat so the club can carry out additional training and take part in more competitions.

Valentia based boat tour operators Ocean Quest Ltd – who run boat tours to Skellig Michael and sea angling trips – have been allocated €7,250 to develop their business. They will provide a matching investment.

Valentia Island Ferries will receive €23,500 for the design of a new car ferry. They will also provide matching funding.

Every project that is to benefit from funding must provide some private funding in addition to the state grant.