The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
Flag funding for Fenit oyster soc
FENIT-BASED Tralee Oyster Fisheries Society has been named as one of 19 coastal projects in the south west that will share in funding of €729,021 under the Fisheries Local Area Action Group (FLAG) Strategy.
Manager of Tralee Oyster Fishery Society Denis O’Shea successfully applied for FLAG funding to enable the Society to invest in new equipment to enhance the quality and value of flat oyster production and to protect and grow the business.
Tralee Oyster Fisheries Society has held an oyster order for almost 40 years since the early 1980s and have successfully and sustainably raised oyster stock levels in Tralee Bay, providing an economic benefit which extends from Fenit, north to Ballyheigue and south to Cromane.
The Native Oyster, also known as the European Flat Oyster ,is highly sought after. Today 78 vessels are involved in the production of these native oysters in Tralee Bay.
The FLAG programme is co funded by the Irish Government and the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF)..
Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) Ireland’s Seafood Development Agency, administers the programme which will deliver a total of €12 million in funding to Ireland’s coastal communities over the 2014-2020 period.
Jim O’Toole, CEO of BIM said that the FLAG Programme would continue “to promote sustainable growth in the local economies of Irish coastal towns and villages and provide a significant boost to these important communities.
“By 2020, the FLAG Programme will have invested up to €12 million in Ireland’s coastal communities, providing jobs, and exciting opportunities to men and women who live along Ireland’s coastline,” added Mr O’Toole.
More than 400 applications have been made to the FLAG programme this year.
All applications were reviewed by individual FLAG Boards in each of the seven FLAG regions throughout Ireland.