FLAGs to get €12m for local projects

The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Creed has launched Local Development Strategies for the seven Fisheries Local Action Groups (FLAGs) established under the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) Operational Programme, and also announced the first call for applications for the €12m available FLAG funding. 

“I am delighted to announce the publication of the new Local Development Strategies for our seven FLAGs. These Strategies will guide the FLAGs in best using the €12m funding available to them under the EMFF Operational Programme.”

The Strategies will promote and support innovative projects in regions that foster economic growth and jobs, by adding value to seafood products and diversifying local economies of coastal areas towards new economic activities, particularly in the broader maritime sector.

The Strategies were developed by the FLAGs during 2016 and are the culmination of much analysis and consultation on the needs of their coastal regions and potential opportunities for growth and development.

The FLAGs are now inviting applications within their regions to fund projects that contribute to the objectives of their Local Development Strategy.

“I have made available €2.4m to BIM in 2017, and this will be dispersed in full to the projects selected by the FLAGs for support. Overall, €12m will be available over the course of the EMFF Programme.”

Funding under the FLAG Scheme Contributes to the Action Plan for Rural Development.