FLAG Scheme Re‑opens to Support Coastal Blue Economy

25th November 2025

Afloat.ie Team

Ireland’s blue economy is anchored in coastal areas like this, now eligible for FLAG funding

The FLAG Coastal Communities Development Scheme has reopened today, Tuesday, 25 November.

It aims to support a sustainable blue economy in coastal, island and inland areas, and assist fishing and aquaculture communities to grow.

Seven Fisheries Local Action Groups (FLAGs) will oversee the allocation of a €15 million fund spanning 2025‑2029.

Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) interim CEO Richard Donnelly said: “Since its launch earlier this year, more than 100 projects have already received funding across the seven FLAG regions.

The local expertise of each of the FLAG board members is essential to the scheme’s continued success to support and sustain our coastal communities for generations to come.”

The scheme is competitive: eligible applications will be scored and ranked, and funding will go first to the highest‑ranked projects if demand exceeds supply.

Over the past month, workshops were held in each FLAG region to explain scheme mechanics, eligibility and how to apply.

Applications close on Thursday, 29 January 2026. More details are available on BIM’s website.

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