New FLAG project officer announced for South West region

Following a reorganisation of BIM regional services Brenda O’Riordan, Bord Iascaigh Mhara ( BIM) has been confirmed as the new project officer for the Fisheries Local Action Group ( FLAG) in the South West region of Ireland. Vera O’Donovan who previously held the role of FLAG Project Officer for FLAG South West is to continue her work with the rest of the fisheries sector in the area.

The FLAG programme is co funded by the Irish Government and the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF). BIM, Ireland’s Seafood Development Agency, administers the programme on behalf of the seven local FLAGs which will deliver a total of €12 million in funding to Ireland’s coastal communities over the 2014-2020 period.

Almost 400 applications were made to the FLAG programme in 2019. All applications were reviewed by individual FLAG Boards in each of the seven FLAG regions throughout Ireland. Projects must demonstrate a clear link to coastal community rejuvenation, enterprise, innovation, job creation and skills enhancement across the fishing, aquaculture and maritime industries.

Portmagee Seafoods Ltd is one of 274 projects to secure funding this year. The Kerry based seafood processing plant will use the FLAG support to invest in storage facilities for live shellfish, this in turn will increase their capacity to deliver lobster and crab to European customers.

Applications for 2020 are now open. Details of the FLAG programme and on how to apply can be found at www.bim.ie/schemes/

For further details of FLAG South West applications, please contact Brenda O’Riordain at brenda.oriordain@bim.ie or at + 353 87 351 2327.

Brenda O’Riordain, New FLAG project officer announced for South West region