This scheme is a community-led approach to local development implemented under the Seafood Development Programme, and jointly funded by the Irish Government and the EU under the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) and aligned with Union Priority 3 (UP3) of the EMFAF Regulation.
‘Enabling a sustainable blue economy in coastal, island and inland areas, and fostering the development of fishing and aquaculture communities’
Seven Fisheries Local Action Groups (FLAGs) will support the implementation of the local development fund of €15m over the programme from 2025- 2029 through selecting projects that align with their Local Development Strategies (LDS).
The scheme will be open for applications from midday on 22 April until 20 May 2025.
All projects in this ‘targeted call’ must be completed and claims for payment submitted no later than 31 October 2025 and in line with specific grantee timelines as detailed in the Letter of Offer.
This call is competitive, meaning that all eligible applications will be scored and ranked. In the case where the scheme is oversubscribed, funding will be allocated based on ranking. As budgets are limited even projects that receive a high ranking may not receive funding.
All projects must align with the scheme objectives and with the relevant FLAG region’s Local Development Strategy (LDS).
Status (e.g. open/closed) | Open from midday on 22 April 2025 |
Close Date | Closes at 11:59pm on 20 May 2025 |
Final Claim Submission Date | As per letter of offer or 31 October 2025 |
Next Call (e.g. open call) | 22 April 2025 |
Only projects located within 10km of the coast and located in a FLAG region are eligible. In exceptional circumstances the FLAG may consider projects outside this area where there is a clearly demonstrable economic benefit to specific individuals/businesses within the FLAG region.
Micro and Small Enterprises. (a maximum net turnover <€10 million and/or <50 FTE employee.)
Must be living or working within 10km of the coast, validated by proof of home/work address.
* Must not have a beneficial interest in any non-SSCF category vessel or enterprise. Must be actively fishing, validated by data held by the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA). Vessels less than 10m LOA: vessel has registered sales notes of at least €1,000 across the last two calendar years preceding the date of this application. Vessels between 10m and 12m LOA must show logbook fishing activity for at least 60 days across the two calendar years preceding the date of this application. Projects related to vessel, product or catch, which are not funded under any other EMFAF or BIM grant scheme. (Note that if an SSCF vessel owner does not meet the applicant eligibility criteria, or is doing a project other than the types listed above, they may still apply but as a Blue Economy Enterprise.)
Seafood enterprises (including non SSCF vessel owners)**
**If the project is in support of the operations of a fishing vessel, that vessel must be actively fishing, validated by data held by the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA): Vessels less than 10m LOA: vessel has registered sales notes of at least €1,000 across the last two calendar years preceding the date of this application. All other vessels in this category must show logbook fishing activity for at least 60 days across the two calendar years preceding the date of this application. Projects which align with the scheme objectives and with the FLAG region’s Local Development Strategy (LDS).
Projects which align with the scheme objectives and with the FLAG region’s Local Development Strategy (LDS).
Must be a grouping recognised by the implementing authority (BIM) and must be registered with the Companies Registrations Office.
Must be registered with the Companies Registrations Office.
All projects must align with the scheme objectives and with the relevant FLAG region’s Local Development Strategy (LDS).
The support rates under this scheme are:
Beneficiary Type |
Grant Aid Rate |
Individuals (Training) | 50% |
SSCF Activity *** | 80% |
Blue Economy Enterprises, including fishing vessel owners | 50% |
Fisheries Co-op or Collective | 60% |
Community Groups – public good projects | 80% |
Community Groups – enterprise projects | 50% |
Each FLAG has developed a Local Development Strategy (LDS) specific to their regional needs. They will consider any investments in capital items and non-capital supports in the Blue Economy that are consistent with their LDS and align with the scheme objectives in fisheries, aquaculture and coastal communities.
The seven FLAGs regions are as follows. Grant rates and caps have been set by each FLAG Region, based on their local priorities.
Please click on your FLAG region to find further information;
Article 13 of the EMFAF Regulation sets out clearly certain measures/costs that are not eligible for funding, therefore this scheme may not provide funding for the following:
In addition, the Managing Authority has further determined that the following costs are also ineligible for funding under this scheme:
These Guidelines for Applicants for the FLAG Coastal Communities Development Scheme
provide guidance on the application process and assessment criteria.
Apply online on BIM Grants Portal.
Note: This application form is compatible with all device types but for best results we would advise you use desktop/laptop when completing this form.
For technical queries in relation to the BIM Grants Portal please email: grantshelpdesk@bim.ie
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