BIM Chairman in Dunmore East to launch South-East’s Fisheries Action Group Strategy

BIM-Administrator to EU-Funded Local Coastal Community Initiative in South East

Pictured above are Michael Keatinge, Fisheries Development Manager, Kieran Calnan BIM’s Chairman and Maurice Glody Dunmore East co-op.

The South- East’s Fishery Local Action Group (FLAG) integrated  local development strategy was launched (today Friday 28 June 2013) in Dunmore East, Waterford by Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) Chairman, Kieran Calnan.

Covering Wicklow, Wexford and Waterford, the FLAG South East Strategy was launched under Axis Four of the European Fisheries Fund, a new initiative to enable fisheries communities to create new and sustainable sources of income and to improve their quality of life.

Speaking about today’s event, BIM Chairman, Kieran Calnan said:

“As Chairman of BIM I am delighted to have been invited to launch the FLAG South East Strategy.BIM is very pleased to act as FLAG administrator.  I congratulate all 15 members of the FLAG for bringing the project to this stage. The members of the local community are to be commended for their very active role in the FLAG. BIM is fully committed to the development and support of local coastal communities. Initiatives like the FLAG we launched here today are vitally important for the sustainable growth and well-being of communities. BIM wishes the FLAG the very best with its first term of work for 2013-2015”.

The FLAG’s first order of business was to announce its first tranche of project  approvals. The six local businesses to secure funds were: The Dunmore East Fisherman’s Co-op, Cheekpoint FLAG Group, Kilmore Quay Community Development, the Boat strand Dunabrattin Fishermen and Community Group, Hook Tourism and Hook Heritage Limited. The funding provided will cover a wide range of company requirements from the installation of computer systems, to assistance with the running of local food and craft festivals to the purchase of equipment.

The South-East FLAG is one of six Irish FLAGs launched under the Axis Four Fisheries Fund programme. Each FLAG consists of a mix of representatives from State organisations and fishing and marine groups. The FLAGs will cover the coast line from Carlingford to Lough Swilly. Each FLAG strategy will act as a roadmap for the Sustainable Development of Fishery Dependent Areas 2013 to 2015.