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Irish seafood processors, aquaculture operators and young people working in fishing can avail of funding to invest in their businesses through the reopening of grant aid schemes, which are administered by BIM.
The Sustainable Aquaculture Scheme, Young Fisher Scheme and Seafood Processing Capital Investment Scheme are implemented under Ireland’s Seafood Development Programme, which is jointly funded by the Irish government and the EU under the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF).
Welcoming the reopening of the schemes, Minister of State for Fisheries and the Marine, Timmy Dooley TD, said: “Funding available under these schemes offers the fisheries, aquaculture and processing sectors further opportunities to make investments that will help them navigate challenges, strengthen their resilience and set their businesses up for growth.
“The Irish seafood sector has made great strides in embracing new technologies to become more efficient and sustainable, adding value to catch and diversifying their businesses with the support of these significant grant aid schemes.
“Young people under 40 can also benefit from up to €250,000 to buy their first secondhand vessel under the Young Fisher Scheme, helping them build sustainable careers and securing the future of the Irish fishing fleet.”
Caroline Bocquel, BIM CEO, said: “We know there is huge demand from industry for these schemes. That is why we are providing as much notice as possible about scheme dates to ensure those interested in applying have time to prepare their applications.”
Sustainable Aquaculture Scheme – 50% support rate for eligible aquaculture operators for investments including product innovation, energy efficiency and renewable energy, safety equipment, animal health and welfare, and food quality and hygiene.
Opening date: 28 May 2025 Closing date: 5 September 2025
Young Fisher Scheme – applicants under 40 with grant aid of up to €250,000 or 40% of the cost of vessel acquisition, proportionate to the applicant’s shareholding in the vessel.
Opening date: 24 June 2025 Closing date: 31 October 2025
Seafood Processing Capital Investment Scheme – 50% for investments to add value to or fully utilise raw material and 30% for investments to optimise operations.
Opening date: 28 July 2025 Closing date: 31 October 2025
Grant offers will be made after schemes have closed and all applications have been assessed. Funding may be awarded based on ranking if total grant aid sought for a scheme exceeds budget availability.
Applications can be made through BIM’s new online grant management system. The BIM grants team is available to help applicants with registration and application forms. Full details on each scheme and how to apply are available here.