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PUBLIC NOTICE – Funding Opportunities

Posted on: November 28th, 2018 by andrew@visionworks.co.uk

Funding Opportunities for the Fishing Dependent Communities

Invitation to Public Information Sessions – European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF)

The South East Area Fisheries Local Action Group are holding a series of information sessions to provide information and guidance for potential applicants who wish to apply for funding under Union Priority 4 of the EMFF.

Under Union Priority 4, the Funding will support a broad range of projects that focus on promotion of economic growth; social inclusion; job creation and supporting labour mobility in coastal and inland communities depending on fishing and aquaculture, including the diversification of activities within fisheries and into other sectors of the Maritime economy.

Projects must be based within Ardglass, Kilkeel, Portavogie or surrounding areas and demonstrate how the proposed project will impact on the fishing dependent communities.

Information Sessions will be held on the following dates:

  • Monday 26 November, 3pm and 7pm in Kilkeel Leisure Centre
  • Tuesday 27 November commencing, 3pm and 7pm in Portavogie Community Hall
  • Wednesday 28 November, 3pm and 7pm in Ardglass Golf Club

To confirm your attendance or for further information, contact 0300 013 2233 extension 2511 or email sea@nmandd.org.

Please confirm your attendance on or before 12 noon on the day of the event.

For more information please visit www.seaflag.co.uk

Manufacture & refurbishment of scallop fishing equipment

Posted on: October 5th, 2018 by andrew@visionworks.co.uk

Ian Newell Boat Building & Repair Ltd is a well-established business which operates from the harbour in Kilkeel. The business undertakes a range of steel fabrication and engineering work within the fishing industry.

The Fisheries Local Action Group approved Ian Newell Boat Building & Repair’s application and awarded grant assistance towards a high definition plasma cutting machine. The equipment provides the business the opportunity to undertake a wide range of jobs with greater turnaround time. This includes the making  and repair scallop fishing equipment. Previously local fishermen had the inconvenience and cost of sending the equipment to England for repairs, but with a high quality service available in Kilkeel, the business has continued to thrive.

Surface preparation & coating division

Posted on: October 5th, 2018 by andrew@visionworks.co.uk

DR Diesel, established in 2002, specialise in marine and industrial diesel engine repairs and servicing. Over the years the company’s services have expanded and they now have a fully equipped workshop on the harbour front in Kilkeel from where they offer engine repair, fabrication and general marine engineering services.

The Fisheries Local Action Group approved an application from DR Diesel to diversify from their current marine diesel business into surface preparation and coating of sea vessels. Surface preparation is achieved through hydroblasting a process thatinvolves the use of water propelled at high speeds to clean surfaces and materials. By focusing and pressurising the water stream, the force generated can remove a vast range of films and materials. This coupled with a hot zinc metallisation system used to apply the coating to vessels, now provides a high quality service with a shorter turnaround time for the customer whilst increasing business turnover and employment.

Kilkeel Seafoods; 14 The Harbour

Posted on: October 5th, 2018 by andrew@visionworks.co.uk

Kilkeel Seafoods (which is part of the Whitby Seafood Group) receives fresh scampi tails from the landings in Kilkeel and other Irish ports, freezes the raw material and then uses this material to manufacture scampi to be breaded scampi for sale in the Irish and UK foodservice and retail market.

The Fisheries Local Action Group approved a project which would consolidate the two sites which existed within Kilkeel harbour, one located on the North Harbour with the other located on South Harbour. The business has a strong desire to continue the business at Kilkeel harbour but to ensure this can happen the business will urgently needed to relocate their full operations to more suitable premises within the harbour.

The Fisheries Local Action Group were delighted to approve the project for the enlarged processing facility would enables current and future expansion of seafood processing in Kilkeel, in particular the movement of scampi shelling facilities from elsewhere in the U.K. and Asia into Kilkeel, creating additional employment and strengthening investment for the long term.

Maritime Heritage Based Tourism Infrastructure and Communication

Posted on: October 5th, 2018 by andrew@visionworks.co.uk

‘The Maritime Heritage Based Tourism Infrastructure and Communication’ project was a collaborative project between Strangford Lough and Lecale Partnership (SLLP), Newry Mourne and Down District Council, Ards and North Down Borough Council and the Northern Ireland Fishery Harbour Authority. The aim of the project was to improve the capacity of the fishing dependent communities, by enabling each town/village areas to attract and retain tourists and other business and to add to their current tourism offering whilst increasing the services available at the harbours.

The project brought together a number of interrelated work packages which include Heritage Trails, Heritage Guides, Public Realm of Portavogie and Wi-Fi provision within Ardglass, Kilkeel and Portavogie. The overall project was led by SLLP who are responsible for the delivery of the Heritage Guides. Newry, Mourne and Down District Council for the Heritage Trails, Ards and North Down District Council for Portavogie Public Realm and the NIFHA manage the Wi-Fi access within each of the three locations.

The delivery of this project demonstrates the true ethos of the FLAG approach, with a range of organisations working together to develop a project with wide reaching benefits for the local community. It is because of this approach the FLAG were keen to approve such a project.

Fisherman’s Development Training

Posted on: October 5th, 2018 by andrew@visionworks.co.uk

With the average age of those involved in the industry increasing , the Seafish Industry Training Associations proposal was to address this by providing an opportunity for those who are involved in the industry, to work towards a Class II Skippers Qualification. By attaining this qualification it provides those with the opportunity to continue to develop professionally whilst continuing to work within the industry.

The popular course developed a range of skills in the use of electronic navigation systems, General Operators Certificate in radio and advanced fire fighting which required a considerable level of commitment and dedication in order to complete.

New business horizons for fishing villages

Posted on: October 5th, 2018 by andrew@visionworks.co.uk

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council were successful in attaining grant assistance towards the development of the ‘Mourne Coastal Path Feasibility Study’.  The aim of the study was to assess the feasibility of developing a coastal walking path between Greencastle and Portavogie identifying tourism and business development opportunities that will enhance the visitor experience along the way by creating unique attractions and experiences’.

The Fisheries Local Action Group approved project was particularly visionary in its approach as the as the feasibility study  has the potential to identify a range of options and may be used to attain future grant assistance in the realisation of the project.

Celebrating the NI Seafood Industry in Film: Fishers, Farmers and Our Coastal Communities

Posted on: October 5th, 2018 by andrew@visionworks.co.uk

From the fishermen who toil to bring home fantastic fresh seafood and the shellfish farmers who grow it; to the auctioneers and processors; fishmongers and fish fryers, the Seafish led project approved by the Fisheries Local Action Group brings together a collection of films that look at the rarely seen world of the seafood industry through interviews with those at its heart.

‘Fishers, Farmers and our Coastal Communities’ provides a unique visual record of the fantastic produce landed daily into the fishing villages; the stories of the boats, factories and retailers who process, market and sell seafood at home and abroad.

Cranfield Beach

Posted on: October 5th, 2018 by andrew@visionworks.co.uk

The Fisheries Local Action Group approved scheme at Cranfield enabled Newry, Mourne and Down District Council to enhance one of its main beaches ensuring  users have an even better experience whenever they visit the site. The works have resulted in an upgrade to the children’s play park with new adult fitness equipment; installation of new pathways; erection of fencing; and the provision of entrance feature signage and interpretation panels in line with the Mourne Coastal Route branding.

As well as the above, separate works at the site included installing rock armour along the beach front. The Fisheries Local Action Group recognised that by enhancing the facility at Cranfield Beach, Kilkeel would reap the benefits of greater visitor numbers whilst increasing the potential spend of tourists in the fishing dependent community.

Chairperson for Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, Councillor Naomi Bailie, welcomed this investment by stating that she has seen “the real value that the South East Area European Fisheries Funding has had in 2 of our important coastal recreational facilities. Both schemes have brought significant enhancements to the quality of the user and visitor experience, and the range of activities that are now on offer at both sites. The Mourne Esplanade, Kilkeel and Cranfield Beach are both located in unique settings, and together they have the potential to impact on the health and well-being of those who live in the fishing dependant community and surrounding areas.”

Ardglass Creel Bait Store

Posted on: October 5th, 2018 by andrew@visionworks.co.uk

The NI Fisheries Harbour Authority installed and provided a chilled storage facility to enable the local creel fishermen to store their fishing bait at the harbour of Ardglass, in a safe, efficient and sustainable manner. Previous to this the bait was creating an unpleasant environment at the harbour and storage was somewhat difficult.

This provision of a central store reduces the amount of bait left at the quaysides whilst being moved to boats. Having a chill storage facility at the harbour will enable the fishermen to increase the length of time bait is viable and also increases the security and protection of the bait and reduce its potential for contamination.

The Harbour Authority Chief Executive, Mr Kevin Quigley expressed his delight receiving this funding and hopes the local fishermen will continue to reap the benefits. Mr Quigley said: ‘Through this funding secured from SEA, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and the European Union, the Harbour Authority is now in a position to provide a central chill store at the harbour of Ardglass. This facility will improve the quality of life in the fishing dependent community of Ardglass as it will provide better storage facilities for the creel fishermen for their bait, that will enable them to store their bait on the harbour in a safe and hygienic manner.’

Mourne Esplanade

Posted on: October 5th, 2018 by andrew@visionworks.co.uk

The Mourne Esplanade, Kilkeel, represents the main recreational and sporting facility for the fishing dependent community of Kilkeel. This scheme has resulted in significant enhancements which will increase usage to the facility, and includes lighting to the coastal pathway, an ornate boundary railing, fencing to the football pitch, renovations to the changing pavilion, a new seating and viewing area with adult fitness equipment, and 2 new art features depicting imagery from the fishing industry.

The funding approved by the Fisheries Local Action Group has provided a fantastic facility for the fishing dependent community of Kilkeel which will continue to deliver social, physical and recreational benefits to those who use it.

Invitation to Public Information Sessions

Posted on: June 1st, 2018 by andrew@visionworks.co.uk

European Maritime & Fisheries (EMFF) – Sustainable Development of Fisheries Areas

Under Union Priority 4 the Funding will support a broad range of projects that focus on promotion of economic growth; social inclusion; job creation and supporting labour mobility in coastal and inland communities depending on fishing and aquaculture, including the diversification of activities within fisheries and into other sectors of the Marine economy.

The £2.3million funding will be made available through the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) to aid communities in Northern Ireland where commercial fishing remains a major source of income and provides employment opportunities.

A Fisheries Local Action Group (FLAG), representing public and private partners from relevant socio-economic sectors, local community, business and industry representatives has been established and, and following public consultation has developed the Strategy for the Sustainable Development of the Fisheries Areas.

In order to provide information and guidance to potential applicants, interested community and business representatives and groups are invited to attend oneof the forthcoming information sessions:

  • Monday 25 June 2018 in Ardglass Golf Club 3pm to 5pm and 7pm to 9pm
  • Tuesday 26 June 2018 in Kilkeel Leisure Centre 3pm to 5pm and 7pm to 9pm
  • Wednesday 27 June 2018 in Portavogie Community Centre 3pm to 5pm and 7pm to 9pm

To confirm your attendance at any of these events or for further information please contact Mrs Ciara Toman on the address below, telephone 0300 013 2233 ext 2500 or email Ciara.Toman@nmandd.org.

Please confirm your attendance on or before 12 noon on the day of the event.

DAERA appoints South East Area FLAG to deliver £2.3m scheme for fishing communities

Posted on: October 3rd, 2017 by andrew@visionworks.co.uk

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) is delighted to announce the appointment of the South East Area (SEA) Fisheries Local Action Group (FLAG) to prepare and deliver a £2.3 million local development strategy for local fishing communities.

The £2.3million funding will be made available through the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) to aid communities in Northern Ireland where commercial fishing remains a major source of income and provides employment opportunities.

Under Union Priority 4 the funding will support a broad range of projects that focus on promotion of economic growth; social inclusion; job creation and supporting labour mobility in coastal and inland communities depending on fishing and aquaculture, including the diversification of activities within fisheries and into other sectors of the Marine economy.

The Director of Marine and Fisheries Division, John Speers said: “The £2.3million sustainable development strategy provides an excellent opportunity for continued investment in our fishing communities through a bottom-up approach and will help secure employment. I look forward to seeing the SEAFLAG’s local development strategy come to fruition and the benefits it will bring to the local fishing communities.”

SEAFLAG comprises of representatives from the public, private and voluntary sectors within the two participating Councils of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and Ards and North Down Borough Council. Both chairpersons welcomed the news. The Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Robert Adair, welcomed the outcome of the joint bid with Newry, Mourne and Down District Council to deliver this new round of the EMFF through the SEAFLAG Board. He commented “I look forward to seeing this vital funding reaching projects on the ground, as this programme recognises and responds to the significant changes that are taking place in our fishing communities. The development of a strategy is an important next phase as it will ensure that the projects that receive funding are the best fit for their particular area.”

Councillor Roisin Mulgrew, the Chairperson of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, expressed delight at the announcement that the SEAFLAG Board has been appointed to deliver the new round of funding. Cllr Mulgrew said “ SEAFLAG, through the previous funding programme, successfully delivered £2 million to a range of projects across the fishing dependent communities in Ardgass, Kilkeel and Portavogie and I am delighted that this success has been recognised and that we have been selected to deliver the new programme of the EMFF. The FLAG Board will now work to develop the local strategy and will undertake full community consultation across the fishing dependent communities.”

Over the over the next few weeks, SEA FLAG will engage with community and stakeholder groups within coastal and inland communities dependant on fishing and aquaculture to develop a comprehensive strategy. Following approval by DAERA local fishing communities will then have the opportunity to benefit from funding through the SEAFLAG call for applications.

Further information can be obtained from Margaret Quinn of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council; via email at Margaret.Quinn@nmandd.org; or by telephone 028 446 0800.

Sign up to the SEA FLAG database

Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs
European Structural and Investment Funds
Ards and North Down Borough Council
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council