South East Area Fisheries Local Action Group Issues First Letters Of Offer.
The South East Area Fisheries Local Action Group (SEA FLAG) has recently issued the first Letter of Offer through Union Priority 4 of the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund.
Copas Technologies Limited, based at Kilkeel harbour, has been awarded grant assistance of £112,500 which will enable them to diversify into additional markets for the aeronautical industry, specifically in structural components.
Chair of SEA FLAG Alderman Angus Carson welcomed this project saying, “SEA FLAG is delighted to approve the first project for funding. Copas Technologies is a significant employer for Kilkeel and I welcome an additional five new jobs for this fishing dependent community”.
He continued, ”We are looking forward to inviting a wide range of applications and encourage everyone who feels they may benefit from this financial support to contact the SEA FLAG office to discuss potential projects.”
Shaun Copas, Managing Director said, “Copas would like to thank the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs and the SEA FLAG programme for their valued financial support. This grant aid has assisted Copas in purchasing our new four axis horizontal milling machine. This machine will increase our capabilities and efficiencies within this sector, allowing us to offer three, four and five axis milling. We employ over 35 highly skilled operators within our team, which contributes over £1.2 million annually into the local South Down economy. This project has created an additional three full time positions with a further two positions planned for the near future.”
SEA FLAG supports projects which impact the fishing dependent communities of Ardglass, Kilkeel and Portavogie. The fund supports a broad range of projects that focus on job and business creation, economic growth, social inclusion and provides support to the fishing dependent communities, including diversification of activities within fisheries and into other sectors of maritime economy.
SEA FLAG is holding ‘Drop-In’ Information Sessions to provide information and guidance on the programme.
For a list of dates and locations, please contact a member of the SEA FLAG team at Newry Mourne and Down District Council on 0300 013 2233 extension 2511
or visit the website at: www.seaflag.co.uk.
