Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 January 2021
924. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of projects currently funded under the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund; if he will provide stop-gap funding to ensure the completion of projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4499/21]
View answerMy Department's European Maritime and Fisheries Fund Programme 2014-20 is the principal source of development funding for the fisheries, aquaculture, and seafood processors sectors and for the socio-economic development and economic diversification of coastal communities traditionally dependent on fisheries through the seven EMFF Fisheries Local Action Groups. The Programme also funds control and enforcement of the CFP, our EU Data Collection responsibilities, marine biodiversity protection and some elements the Integrated Maritime Policy such as marine knowledge and marine spatial planning. The Programme is implemented through a suite of 18 individual schemes, most of which are implemented through Bord Iascaigh Mhara, with further details available at www.bim.ie/schemes.
The Programme operates primarily over the 2014-20 period, and is nearing its natural end with over 90% of Programme funds committed through grant offers and remaining funds to be committed this year. For now, most industry support schemes remain open for new applications. Funds are available to my Department and to BIM to pay outstanding approved grants in 2021.
A new Seafood Development Programme for the 2021-27 period under the European Maritime Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund is presently being developed within my Department and I anticipate that it will be adopted by the European Commission and become operational by end 2021.
