Marine Minister Charlie McConalogue T.D., today announced the opening of the second call for applications to the Brexit Adjustment: Local Authority Marine Infrastructure Scheme 2022-2023.

The Scheme funds publicly owned marine infrastructure and is being funding under the EU Brexit Adjustment Reserve (BAR). In April, under the first call of the Scheme, McConalogue announced approval for 110 projects around the Irish coast.

In announcing the opening of this second call for applications, the Minister said:

“Earlier this year we asked local authorities to prioritise their then shovel-ready projects and it was great to see so many come through for approval. Now that some of these projects are being advanced and the impact of Brexit is beginning to crystalise for some coastal communities, it is timely to open a second call and move forward the development of further infrastructure projects under the Scheme.”

The scheme assists the development of the marine economy in coastal communities by aiming to give immediate construction stimulus to those coastal communities affected by the Trade and Cooperation Agreement between the European Union and the United Kingdom (TCA). It is targeted to attract such projects of up to €1m budget during 2022 and 2023. The Scheme also offers the possibility of funding larger projects where there is particular exposure to Brexit due to proximity to UK waters and loss of fishing opportunities. The projects will be delivered by the local authority which owns and maintains the relevant marine infrastructure.

The Minister encouraged local authorities to make full use of this unique opportunity: “The geopolitical landscape has changed significantly recently, and it is of the utmost importance that we invest to promote future economic growth in our coastal communities”

The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine is administering the Scheme and will be working closely with coastal local authorities to ensure that eligible projects receive funding. Each local authority is responsible for governance and delivery of its own projects.