New scheme to support inshore fishing fleet welcomed by Mayo minister

MAYO Fianna Fáil Minister of State Dara Calleary has welcomed a new scheme to support the economic development of the inshore fishing fleet.

His party colleague, Minister Charlie McConalogue, announced the scheme following the results of an inshore census conducted by Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) in 2023.

This new scheme will build on this knowledge base by capturing additional detailed information in relation to the current market knowledge and routes to market being used by inshore fishers as well as their ability to identify and access new markets.

Said Minister Calleary: “I’m delighted that my party colleague Minister McConalogue has put in place a new scheme aimed specifically at supporting and enabling the economic development of the inshore fishing fleet.

“This has been a priority for me. I would like to thank Minister McConalogue for introducing this worthwhile scheme. I also want to acknowledge the work of the Erris Inshore Fisherman Association and local councillors Seán Carey and Paul McNamara.

“I will continue to support the inshore fishing communities in Mayo in any way that I can, particularly given the challenges they face.”

The scheme will provide for the completion of a further survey by applicants, to inform and enable a detailed and comprehensive assessment of these aspects of the sector. This in turn will allow the department and BIM to develop and target effective supports that will assist inshore fishers to respond to the market challenges they face.

To encourage participation in the survey, and in recognition of the significant administrative work involved for those who do participate, the scheme will make provision for applicants to receive a payment, and the survey will be carried out in two stages.

Payments will be based on vessel length, and will be paid in two instalments, one on completion of each stage of the survey. Under the scheme, a total of €3,500 will be available to vessels under 8m in length, and a total of €5,000 to vessels between 8 and 17.99m in length.

The initial instalment will be €2,000 for eligible vessels on the completion of Stage 1 of the survey with the remaining balance on completion of Stage 2.

Minister McConalogue has asked BIM to develop and implement this scheme, which will be funded under the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund.

It is expected to open for applications in September 2024.