The South East Area Fisheries Local Action Group (SEA FLAG) has announced that the Northern Ireland Fisheries Harbour Authority (NIFHA) has installed two refrigerated bait stores, one at Ardglass Harbour and the other at Portavogie Harbour, funded through Union Priority 4 of the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund.
SEA FLAG supports projects which impact the fishing dependent communities of Ardglass, Kilkeel, Portavogie and surrounding areas. The fund supports a broad range of projects which focus on job and business creation, economic growth, social inclusion and providing support to the fishing dependent communities. Funding can be sought under the themes of Diversification, Adding Value, Social Inclusion, Environmental, and Building Capacity.
The new chilled storage facilities have been welcomed by the creel fishermen in the local fishing communities as it will help to protect and preserve the quality of the bait and increase its lifespan.
Mr Kevin Quigley, NIFHA Chief Executive said, “I am delighted to receive funding from SEA FLAG, the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) and the European Union. The central chill stores will enable the fishermen to increase the length of time bait is viable, increase the security and protection of the bait and will also reduce the potential for contamination. I am confident the new facilities will have a positive impact on the local creel fishermen of Ardglass and Portavogie.”
SEA FLAG Chair, Alderman Angus Carson said, “Following the success of funding in 2014 for a similar project, this demonstrates the commitment from SEA FLAG to deliver such provisions. By providing shared refrigerated stores at the harbours, it addresses one of the things that our local fishing dependent communities need. The cost efficiency and reliability can be improved for the creel fishermen based in Ardglass and Portavogie, which will help sustain small coastal fisheries.”
“I would encourage everyone who feels they may benefit from this financial support to contact the SEA FLAG office to discuss potential projects.”
SEA FLAG is holding information sessions to provide information and guidance on the programme. For further information please contact a member of the SEA FLAG team on 0330 137 4051 or visit the website at www.seaflag.co.uk.
