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06 Sept 2025
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06 Sept 2025
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Donegal minister Charlie McConalogue has announced the opening of the Young Fisher Scheme.
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, which opened on June 25 and July 1, 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 Fisher 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 Fisher 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.”
“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,” Minister McConalogue added.
This scheme is being administered by Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) Ireland’s seafood development agency, and the scheme is open for applications now. All details are available on www.bim.ie.
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