Funding boost for 17 Mayo projects

THE Minister for Rural and Community Development has today announced the grant awards by the Northwest FLAG.   

Minister Ring stated: “The FLAG (Fisheries Local Action Group) Scheme is an initiative that is particularly relevant and vital to the North West region and to the Action Plan for Rural Development. 

“My colleague Minister Creed has already announced the total investment of over €3.6 million by 153 projects nationally under the Scheme this year, we are here to focus today on the grant awards by the Northwest FLAG and to hear some stories about the excellent projects that will benefit from the very generous grant rates available under the Schemeâ€. 

“Some €249,549 will be dispersed by the Northwest FLAG to seventeen local projects in Mayo under the Scheme this year and that will allow vital local projects to proceed. This funding is being provided by Minister Creed's Department and is co-funded by the Exchequer and European Unionâ€. 

Minister of State Ring continued “The FLAG Scheme is truly unique in the sense that local FLAG roups made up of local actors devise their own development strategy, they make the decisions and they deliver funding to coastal communities in their own areas to foster growth in those areas. 

“The FLAG Scheme is a vital support to rural coastal Ireland and it's obvious from the interest in the FLAG Northwest region that the approved projects will inspire future generations to see the economic and social benefits of our amazing marine resource and its related maritime industries. 

“As Minister for Rural and Community Development, I encourage schemes such as FLAG that empower local communities to adapt and evolve and to develop their own regions and to drive long term economic and social development, innovation and sustainability in their communities. 

'The investments planned by seventeen original, dynamic and creative projects generated by people and communities who are extremely passionate and committed to the future development of their coastal community is a positive return for the northwest regionâ€.

“I would like to recognise the unwavering commitment of the North West FLAG members, led by their chairman Ger Hassett. I would also like to thank BIM CEO Jim O'Toole and his team, and in particular Declan Nee who provides vital support to the Northwest FLAG and who assisted the FLAG to put this event together†concluded Minister Michael Ring. 

Among the organisation to benefit are the Achill Experience Acquarium, Westport 250 Festiva, Achill Sea Salt Visitor Experience, Achill Island Seaweed Baths, Newport Sea Angling Club, and Purteen Harbour Fisherman's Group.