Ardglass to share in £2.45m boost for fishing communities

Ardglass to share in £2.45m boost for fishing communities

26 September 2012

ARDGLASS is one of three Co. Down fishing villages to share in a £2.45m windfall from the European Fisheries Fund.

The financial assistance for the local port and those in Kilkeel and Portavogie is aimed at improving economic activity, promoting social prosperity and adding value to fisheries and aquaculture products.

Confirmation of the cash boost for the local ports was outlined during a recent public meeting in Ardglass.

Local councillor Dermot Curran said the Axis 4 funding is also designed to boost jobs in the three villages and surrounding areas, boosting economic and social restructuring.

He continued: “Due to the many difficulties the fishing industry faces such as high fuel prices, technical measures, shrinking quotas and days at sea limitations, environmental issues and stock matters, the industry and indeed the communities need to take a serious look at where they are going over the next few years.

“Other important objectives in this funding measure include efforts to improve the quality of our environment. The fishing industry is

required through the EU to work towards greater environmental sustainability. There is also an expectation of more co-operation in the fishing industry across EU borders.”

Councillor Curran, who is chairman of the a fisheries working group which comprises fishing industry representatives and politicians from the Down, Newry and Mourne and Ards council areas, said the focus is now on coming up with projects which are eligible for the new funding which has been made available.

He continued: “There’s a need to get ideas on the table so they can be examined and discussed before being presented to the administrators of the scheme.

“The Axis 4 programme can make a huge difference to our fishing communities and we must make use of the opportunity which has been presented to the three Co. Down ports.”

Other issues discussed at the recent meeting in Ardglass included the need to promote education and training for local fishermen and the possible provision of a new slipway at Ardglass harbour.