Michael McNamara (Clare, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

969. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when the fisheries and harbours funding will open for applications in 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5981/21]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

My Department owns, operates and maintains six designated State-owned Fishery Harbour Centres, located at Castletownbere, Dingle, Dunmore East, Howth, Killybegs and Ros An Mhíl under statute. In addition, my Department also has responsibility for the upkeep and maintenance of North Harbour at Cape Clear, as well as the maintenance of a small number of specific piers, lights and beacons throughout Ireland, in accordance with the Marine Works (Ireland) Act 1902, and piers, lights and beacons constructed under the auspices of the Congested Districts Board.

Responsibility for the maintenance and development of Local Authority-owned harbours and piers rests with each individual Local Authority in the first instance and its parent Department, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage thereafter.

As part of the annual Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme, my Department has provided limited funding to assist coastal Local Authorities in carrying out small-scale projects for the development and repair of piers, harbours and slipways in their ownership. Between 2010 and 2020, over €31m has been made available to assist coastal Local Authorities under this programme.

No final decisions have been made in relation to the composition of the 2021 Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme.  However, I hope to make an announcement on this shortly.

Pearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

970. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of approved FLAG applications for 2020; when such applications will receive offers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6011/21]

Pearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

971. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the FLAG programme will open to new applications in 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6012/21]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 970 and 971 together.

My Department's €240 million European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) Operational Programme is the vehicle for financial supports to the seafood sector for the period 2014 to 2020.  The Programme delivers a wide range of supports for fisheries, aquaculture, and seafood processing, and to coastal communities, through a suite of 18 schemes.  The Programme is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union.

My Department's EMFF Programme includes a community-led local development approach to the socio-economic development and economic diversification of coastal communities through seven Fisheries Local Action Groups (FLAGs).  The Scheme aims to promote innovative approaches in coastal communities to create growth and jobs in those areas, in particular by adding value to fishery and aquaculture products and diversifying the local economy towards new economic activities, in particular those offered by blue growth and the broader maritime sectors.  

Each of the seven FLAGs covers a portion of our coastline and each has developed its own Local Development Strategy.  The FLAG scheme has a total budget of €12 million, with each FLAG allotted a portion of this and the Board of each FLAG determines which projects are to be selected for EMFF funding from its allocated budget.  

In 2020, 189 projects were approved for grants totalling €3.3 million, which will incentivise total investment in our coastal communities of €5.5 million. 

With respect to 2021, I am examining with BIM and the FLAG boards what budget remains for each FLAG from its total allocation, with a view to finalising what if any funding is available for new grant offers in 2021.