FLAG Coastal Communities Development Scheme This scheme is a community-led approach to local development implemented under the Seafood Development Programme, and jointly funded by the Irish Government and the EU under the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) and aligned with Union Priority 3 (UP3) of the EMFAF Regulation:
‘Enabling a sustainable blue economy in coastal, island and inland areas, and fostering the development of fishing and aquaculture communities.’
Seven Fisheries Local Action Groups (FLAGs) will support the implementation of the local development fund of €15m over the programme from 2025- 2029 through selecting projects that align with their Local Development Strategies (LDS).
The scheme will be open for applications from midday on 25th November 2025 until 5pm on 29th January 2026.
All projects must be completed and claims for payment submitted no later than 31st October 2026 and in line with specific grantee timelines as detailed in the Letter of Offer. This call is primarily focused on projects which can complete in 2026 but any larger projects which need a longer time to complete will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
This call is competitive, meaning that all eligible applications will be scored and ranked. In the case where the scheme is oversubscribed, funding will be allocated based on ranking. As budgets are limited even projects that receive a high ranking may not receive funding.
All projects must align with the scheme objectives and with the relevant FLAG region’s Local Development Strategy (LDS).
| Status (e.g. open/closed) | Open from midday on 25th November 2025 |
| Close Date | 29 January 2026 |
| Final Claim Submission Date | As per letter of offer or 31 October 2026 |
| Next Call (e.g. open call) | TBC |
Funding Information Only projects located within 10km of the coast and located in a FLAG region are eligible. In exceptional circumstances the FLAG may consider projects outside this area where there is a clearly demonstrable economic benefit to specific individuals/businesses within the FLAG region.
Micro and Small Enterprises. (a maximum net turnover <€10 million and/or <50 FTE employee.)
Must be living or working within 10km of the coast, validated by proof of home/work address.
* Must not have a beneficial interest in any non-SSCF category vessel or enterprise. Must be actively fishing, validated by data held by the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA). Vessels less than 10m LOA: vessel has registered sales notes of at least €1,000 across the last two calendar years preceding the date of this application. Vessels between 10m and 12m LOA must show logbook fishing activity for at least 60 days across the two calendar years preceding the date of this application. Projects related to vessel, product or catch, which are not funded under any other EMFAF or BIM grant scheme. (Note that if an SSCF vessel owner does not meet the applicant eligibility criteria, or is doing a project other than the types listed above, they may still apply but as a Blue Economy Enterprise.)
Seafood enterprises (including non SSCF vessel owners)**
**If the project is in support of the operations of a fishing vessel, that vessel must be actively fishing, validated by data held by the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA): Vessels less than 10m LOA: vessel has registered sales notes of at least €1,000 across the last two calendar years preceding the date of this application. All other vessels in this category must show logbook fishing activity for at least 60 days across the two calendar years preceding the date of this application. Projects which align with the scheme objectives and with the FLAG region’s Local Development Strategy (LDS).
Projects which align with the scheme objectives and with the FLAG region’s Local Development Strategy (LDS).
Must be a grouping recognised by the implementing authority (BIM) and must be registered with the Companies Registrations Office.
Must be registered with the Companies Registrations Office.
All projects must align with the scheme objectives and with the relevant FLAG region’s Local Development Strategy (LDS).
The support rates under this scheme are:
Beneficiary Type |
Grant aid Rate |
| Individuals (Training) | 50% |
| Blue Economy Enterprises | 50% |
| SSCF vessel owners | 80% |
| Fisheries Co-operatives or Collectives | 60% |
| Community Groups or Charities, Public good projects | 80% |
| Community Groups or Charities, Private projects | 50% |
FLAG Regions
Each FLAG has developed a Local Development Strategy (LDS) specific to their regional needs. They will consider any investments in capital items and supports that are consistent with their LDS and align with the Scheme Objectives in fisheries, aquaculture and coastal communities.
Grant rates and caps have been set by each FLAG Region, based on their local priorities.
Please click on your FLAG region at the end of the page to find further information.
How to Apply These Guidelines for Applicants for the FLAG Coastal Communities Development Scheme provide guidance on the application process and assessment criteria.
Apply online on BIM Grants Portal.
Note: This application form is compatible with all device types but for best results we would advise you use desktop/laptop when completing this form.
For technical queries in relation to the BIM Grants Portal please email: grantshelpdesk@bim.ie
Applicants and agents are invited to join drop-in sessions to learn more about the scheme and application process.
Time: 11.30am-1.00pm
Dates:
Total number of Sessions: 3
Meeting ID: 363 946 452 908 49
Passcode: 86vn9A3q
