The Fisheries Local Action Groups (FLAGs) Coastal Communities Development Scheme 2025–2029 has been launched by Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine with special responsibility for Fisheries, Timmy Dooley.
This scheme will provide funding of €15 million over the coming years to support economic development in Ireland’s coastal communities.
A key strength of this scheme, the department says, is that it supports community-led local development — with the priorities for funding set out in local development strategies prepared by each of the seven FLAGs.
The scheme will build on the supports delivered under a similar scheme implemented previously, and also on the supports provided under the Brexit Blue Economy Enterprise Development Scheme, which provided over €13.2 million in funding to 369 beneficiaries operating in the blue economy within 10km of the coast over the course of 2022 and 2023.
Launching the new scheme, Minister Dooley, said: “FLAGs were first established in Ireland in 2012 and since then each FLAG board has played a vital role in supporting the development of their local coastal communities.
“I am struck by the commitment that has been displayed for over a decade by FLAG board members, who give of their time on a voluntary basis. Their local knowledge, experience and engagement in their community is of such importance in delivering a funding programme that is truly community-led.”
The minister added: “This scheme will build on the great work that has been done by the FLAG boards, with the support of Bord Iascaigh Mhara, over the past 12 years. It will continue to support investment in the economic, social, environmental and cultural fabric of our coastal communities.
“The Government is committed to providing the necessary supports for a thriving and vibrant blue economy that will provide economic opportunities for the many families living in coastal communities, and I am delighted to launch this scheme today, which will contribute to that effort.”
The scheme is implemented under Ireland’s Seafood Development Programme, which is jointly funded by the Government and the EU under the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF).
Each FLAG Board will be opening calls for applications in the coming weeks. For details on how to apply for funding from your local FLAG, see www.fisherieslocalactiongroups.ie.
