McIlveen opens £15million fisheries grants programme for applications

Fisheries Minister Michelle McIlveen has announced that the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) is open for applications in Northern Ireland.

The programme will provide over £15million grant support to local fishing interests over the next five years and is designed to deliver benefits to fishermen, processing and aquaculture businesses, port authorities, producer organisations and wider fishing communities.

In announcing the opening, the Minister said: “I am pleased to announce the opening of the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund for applications with immediate effect. The measures now open focus on the catching, processing, aquaculture and ports sectors, with further elements, focussing on areas such as community-led local development, opening over the next few months.

“The funding will be invested in the local fishing and aquaculture industries with the aim of making a significant and positive impact in terms of sustainability, safety and the development of fishing related activities.

“My Department has recently staged a number of information events on the opportunities available under EMFF which were well attended by local stakeholders. I am encouraged by the level of interest and believe the fund will deliver real benefits to the local fishing sectors.”

More information is available on the DAERA website or by contacting the Marine and Fisheries Division of the Department.

Notes to editors: 

1. Northern Ireland has been allocated €13.78million (10%) of the UK’s EMFF funding to provide grant support across a range of fisheries interests. With €4.58million DAERA match-funding, the total available is €18.35million.
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