Fisheries grant is welcomed and much needed says Jim Shannon MP
Strangford MP Jim Shannon has welcomed the announcement by DAERA Minister Edwin Poots that the new Maritime and Fisheries Fund for Northern Ireland is now open.
This fund replaces the European Martitime and Fisheries Fund and will be available until March.
Mr Shannon said: “The funding has come through HMRC as a one year Settlement Scheme and it is essential that all who are eligible make contact with the department to access the scheme before it closes as it will not be available again.
“This funding package is designed to be accessed by fishermen, processing and aquaculture business and other port authorities.
“It is hoped that this will help fishermen to make changes to their boats to enable them to make improvements and continue to be able to deal competitively.
“This fund is welcomed and the opening of the scheme across Portavogie and the other fishing ports of Ardglass and Kilkeel is a sign that our Fisheries Minister is continuing to support this sector which has the ability to thrive.”
