Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue, has unveiled four new schemes to support the Irish fishing fleet and seafood processors. Co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) 2021-2027, these schemes are part of the €258 million Seafood Development Programme and are now open for applications.
Three schemes will provide funding for Irish registered fishing vessels:
- Inshore Fisheries Scheme: Offers enhanced grants of 80-100% for small-scale coastal fishing vessels under 12 meters that do not use towed gear, supporting on-board and on-shore investments and conservation efforts.
- Lobster V-notching Scheme: Continues efforts to improve sustainability in the lobster fishery, crucial for the inshore fishing fleet.
- Sustainable Fisheries Scheme: Supports on-board investments for all registered fishing vessels, promoting the use of selective gear to reduce catches of juvenile or over-quota species.
The fourth scheme, the Seafood Processing Capital Investment Scheme, aims to support capital investment in the seafood processing sector, which employs around 4,000 people in rural coastal communities. This scheme builds on previous supports provided under the Brexit Adjustment Reserve, which funded over €30 million in capital investments for the seafood processing industry.
Minister McConalogue highlighted the government’s commitment to the seafood sector, emphasizing its economic, social, and cultural significance to coastal and rural communities. The EMFAF programme, with €116 million from the government and additional EU co-funding, aims to support sustainable fishing and seafood processing activities.
Caroline Bocquel, CEO of Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM), confirmed that the schemes are open for applications. Full details and application procedures are available on the BIM website.
These new schemes aim to ensure a sustainable, environmentally friendly, and competitive seafood industry, supporting jobs and promoting Irish seafood in the EU and global markets.4o