Michael Cahill (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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1668. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will urgently consider opening the EMFAF grant scheme (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18513/25]

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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My Department supports the development of the Irish aquaculture sector under Ireland's €258 Seafood Development Programme, which is co-funded by the Irish government and the EU Commission under the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF). It provides a number of schemes under which aquaculture operators may access support, such as the Seafood Training Scheme, the Sustainable Aquaculture Scheme, and the Seafood Capacity Building Scheme.

These schemes are administered on my behalf by BIM. I can confirm that following the opening of the Sustainable Aquaculture Scheme for a period in 2024, BIM anticipates that this scheme will open again in early autumn, 2025. To be eligible for funding applicants need to satisfy the terms and conditions of the scheme including Aquaculture Licensing and Natura 2000 legislation. More details can be found on BIM - Aquaculture ()

BIM staff are available to provide support should this aquaculture operator have any questions in relation to the details of the scheme or require assistance with the application process.