Christopher O'Sullivan (Cork South-West, Fianna Fail)
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860. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of the aquaculture assistance package that was mentioned in December 2024 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2384/25]

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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Under the €258m European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) 2021-2027, co-funded by the Irish Government and the EU. Aquaculture operators may access support under a number of schemes, such as the Seafood Training Scheme, the Sustainable Aquaculture Scheme, and the Seafood Capacity Building Scheme.

These schemes are all administered on my behalf by Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) and further details are available on www.bim.ie.

BIM also provides a range of other supports and advisory services to aquaculture producers. In addition aquaculture producers also have access to finance under schemes implemented by the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI).

I am aware of the challenges faced by the aquaculture industry due to rising costs and other challenges. Preparatory work to progress the implementation of The National Strategic Plan for Sustainable Aquaculture Development has begun.

The implementation of this Strategy will provide a framework for engagement with the sector and an opportunity to identify and put in place measures to support the sustainable and continued development of this important sector over the coming years.