A Young Fishermen Scheme has been announced today. This scheme is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union under the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund 2021-2027 (EMFAF).
Where the recent schemes announced by the Minister provide supports to those who already own and operate fishing vessels, this scheme is designed to support the purchase of a first fishing vessel. It is targeted at people who are under 40 years of age and who have demonstrated an interest in working in the industry and have gained the relevant skills and experience required, whether from working in the industry for at least five years or undertaking relevant vocational training.
The Young Fishermen Scheme also supports the purchase of partial ownership of a fishing vessel. Grants of up to 40% of the cost of purchasing a vessel are available under this scheme, with some restrictions on the age and size of the vessels concerned.
Announcing the opening of this scheme, the Minister said:
“I am pleased to announce the opening of the Young Fishermen Scheme. This scheme will give those who wish to enter the fishing industry valuable support to assist them in doing so. Without such a scheme, the cost of purchasing a vessel would be prohibitive for many who have the skills, knowledge and experience to build a successful long-term career in the fishing industry.”
The Minister concluded:
“This scheme will help to ensure the fishing industry remains an attractive choice for young people to work in. This scheme combined with other measures under the EMFAF programme, in particular the Seafood Training Scheme, will help generational renewal in the fishing industry and support its sustainability for the years to come. I am keen to see more young people getting involved in the fishing industry. ”
This scheme is being administered by Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) Ireland’s seafood development agency, and the scheme is open for applications from the 8th July 2024. All details are available on www.bim.ie.
Young Fishermen Scheme
This scheme provides grant aid of up to 40% support for people under 40 years of age to acquire their first fishing vessel, which under the terms of the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) Regulation must be a second-hand vessel.
To be eligible for assistance under this scheme the vessel which is being purchased must:
• Have been a registered fishing vessel for between 3-30 years if it is less than 12 metres in length and does not use towed gear
• For all other vessels, have been a registered fishing vessel for between 5-30 years
• Have an overall length of less than 24 metres
• Be equipped for sea-fishing
Transfer of ownership that occurs within the same family up to the second degree, will not be eligible for assistance under this scheme.
Further details in relation to this scheme and the online application facility, are available at: www.bim.ie
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