Community Support Scheme

In addition to the Salmon Hardship Scheme, the Government has put in place a fund amounting to €5 million that will be available for a community support scheme. The scheme will be made available to those affected by the cessation of the mixed stock salmon fishery in 16 fishery districts through 15 LEADER companies, Comhdháil Oileáin na hÉireann (in respect of island communities) and Meitheal Forbartha na Gaeltachta Teoranta (in respect of the Gaeltacht areas).

This Scheme is not ordinarily directed at commercial salmon fishing licence holders (who have had the opportunity to avail of payments from the €25 million Salmon Hardship Scheme) but rather at the development of additional economic opportunities for crews and employees in the processing and ancillary sectors in the communities where commercial salmon fishing has been a well-established activity and where its withdrawal demonstrably impacts on the economic and social fabric, for example Gaeltacht areas.

The scheme is administered by the LEADER companies under the supervision of the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources in conjunction with the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (DCRGA). Available funds will be allocated to those affected fishery districts, proportionate to the impact of the cessation of the mixed stock fishery.

The closing date for receipt of applications by the LEADER companies is 31 December 2008 and all projects must be completed by November 2009.

Further information on this scheme, as announced by the Minister, may be accessed through the following links:

Appendix 1 Programme Complement/
Augisín I Comhlanú an Chláir 

Press Release - Minister Ryan and Minister O’Cuiv announce €5 million Community Support Scheme 

Kathleen Regan
Inland Fisheries Division

Tel + 353 1 6782296