#Fishing - Marine Minister Michael Creed has announced €12 million funding under the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) Operational Programme for seven Fisheries Local Action Groups (FLAGs) to fund local development initiatives in Ireland’s coastal communities.
The seven new groups – South West (Kerry), West (Galway, Clare), Northwest (Mayo, Sligo), North (Donegal), South (Cork), Northeast (Louth, Meath, Dublin) and Southeast (Wicklow, Wexford, Waterford) – were selected as part of a competitive process under the community led local development element of the €240 million EMFF Operational Programme.
Each FLAG received a sum between €1.5 million and €1.98 million in funding that is 50% financed by the EU.
“This funding will be allocated by and to those communities by the seven FLAGs recently established,” said the minister. “The FLAGs are made up of local actors from the fisheries and aquaculture sectors and others with a strong interest in fostering the development of our coastal communities.
“The funding will be available to the FLAGs over the period 2017 to 2021 approximately and is an eight-fold increase on the €1.5m that was available under the previous FLAG scheme.”
Bord Iascaigh Mhara chief executive Tara McCarthy added: “As the State agency responsible for providing a range of administrative and technical supports to the FLAGs, we welcome the significant increase in funding for a programme that has already contributed €1.5 million in direct and indirect investment to our coastal communities.
“Each of the FLAG groups represents 7 coastal communities where the importance of the Irish Seafood Sector from our fishermen to seafood processors and retailers is paramount. This increase in funding will enable BIM to assist the FLAG groups to develop strategic plans that will enhance and in some cases diversify their existing marine related resource and enterprise.
“On behalf of BIM, I would like to thank all of the FLAG members for their dedication to this programme.”
FLAG Name | Coastal areas of County | EMFF Allocation |
---|---|---|
South West FLAG | Kerry | €1.53 m |
West FLAG | Galway, Clare | €1.80 m |
Northwest FLAG | Mayo, Sligo | €1.50 m |
North FLAG | Donegal | €1.95 m |
South FLAG | Cork | €1.98 m |
Northeast FLAG | Louth, Meath, Dublin | €1.56 m |
Southeast FLAG | Wicklow, Wexford, Waterford | €1.68 m |
TOTAL | €12 m |