Louth LEADER

Salmon Hardship Fund

The Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources has established a ‘Community Support Scheme’ of up to €5m for areas affected by the cessation of mixed stock salmon fishery in 16 fishery districts.  County Louth is to receive €85,000 under the scheme through Louth LEADER.

Who is eligible to apply?

·         Those affected by the cessation of the mixed stock salmon fishery

·         Those affected by the ending of drift-netting

The Salmon Hardship Fund aims to address those areas where other mixed stock fishing activities are affected (draft, snap, loop, bag, trap).

The purpose of the scheme is to develop additional economic opportunities for crews and employees in the processing and ancillary sectors in the communities where commercial salmon fishing has been a well-established activity.

What is eligible for grants?

·         Re-training of labour force previously involved in commercial salmon fishing

·         Retraining of labour force involved in ancillary activities associated with commercial wild salmon fishery

·         Diversification into non-salmon fishing economic activity

·         Diversification from ancillary activities previously dependent on the wild salmon fishery

·         Education and employment preparation for the labour force

·         Projects to promote the quality of the coastal environment

·         Any other community project identified during the course of the scheme

Applications forms and further details can be obtained from www.louthleader.com or by contacting Mary at 041-6857375 or mary@louthleader.com