Minister Dooley announces reopening of fisheries grant aid schemes

Copied directly from the BIM website: 

Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine with responsibility for Fisheries Timmy Dooley TD, announced the upcoming opening dates for the Young Fisher Scheme, Small Scale Coastal Fishers Scheme and Sustainable Fisheries Scheme, which are administered by Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM).

Minister Dooley said the schemes would help strengthen the resilience, sustainability and competitiveness of Ireland’s fishing fleet.

“These three schemes provide important and practical supports for fishers and vessel owners who are investing in the future of their businesses and Ireland’s catching sector.

“The Young Fisher Scheme will support generational renewal by helping younger fishers to enter the sector and invest in their first fishing vessel, which is essential to the long-term future of our fishing communities.

“The Small Scale Coastal Fishers Scheme recognises the importance of our small-scale coastal fleet through the provision of a dedicated one-stop shop for eligible investments both onboard and onshore.

“The Sustainable Fisheries Scheme supports owners of non-SSCF vessels to make investments that improve quality and catch handling, enhance traceability, improve hygiene, health and safety, and increase energy efficiency.

“I encourage all eligible fishers and vessel owners to engage with BIM at an early stage so that they are well prepared when the schemes open.”

The schemes are co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union under the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF).

Young Fisher Scheme – opens 30 September 2026

The scheme provides support for people under 40 years of age to buy their first vessel. It supports generational renewal within Ireland’s fishing fleet and provides opportunities for young fishers to establish sustainable careers in the sector.

Small Scale Coastal Fishers Scheme – open 14 October 2026

Designed as a one-stop shop for small-scale coastal fishers, the scheme supports eligible investments both onboard and onshore. It is designed to address the particular needs of Ireland’s small-scale coastal fleet and support the businesses and coastal communities that depend on it.

Sustainable Fisheries Scheme – opens 15 October 2026

The scheme is aimed at owners of non-Small Scale Coastal Fishing (SSCF) vessels. It supports onboard investments with the objectives of improving quality and catch handling, enhancing traceability, improving hygiene, health and safety, and increasing energy efficiency.

BIM support with application

Fishers and vessel owners considering an application are encouraged to contact BIM as early as possible to discuss their investment plans and receive support in preparing their application.

For further information on the schemes, eligibility criteria or assistance with preparing an application, please contact your local BIM Fisheries Regional Development Officer or visit BIM.