Local fishing industry to get over £7m funding

Northern Ireland's fishing industry is set to benefit from over £7 million in EU funding.

The Department of Regional Development said it was making up to £7.4 million available through European Structural Funds.

Announcing the funding, Agriculture Minister, Ian Pearson also launched two schemes, both which are funded through the EU’s Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance as part of the Northern Ireland Building Sustainable Prosperity Programme and are focused on improvements to fishing ports and the development of aquaculture schemes.

The Minister said: "The provision of safe, modern and well-maintained harbours and infrastructure facilities is essential if we are to sustain and develop the fishing industry in Northern Ireland.

"The scheme, which is open to all harbour operators, potentially offers £6.6 million to organisations focused on this area of work.

"Diversification within the fishing industry in Northern Ireland is also essential, and the Aquaculture scheme is aimed at encouraging the expansion of Aquaculture production in Northern Ireland.

"This funding will support fish farms to widen the range of species currently being cultivated in order to exploit untapped market potential, and to invest in high value species and improved production methods."

Mr Pearson said local aquaculture industry was well placed to take advantage of market demand, and today's scheme should help launch a number of important projects.

Application forms for this tranche of funding under the two schemes are available from www.eugrants.org with the closing date for receipt's being 2 December.

(MB)