Fuel support schemes for Mayo fishing and aquaculture sectors welcomed
Senator Mark Duffy has welcomed the launch of two new fuel support schemes for the fishing and aquaculture sectors.
Bord Iascaigh Mhara will administer both schemes.
Payments will be made in lump sums and applicants will not need to submit fuel receipts.
Senator Duffy said he was well aware of the impact of higher fuel prices on the sector.
"Having spoken to fishermen and those working in the maritime sector, I am acutely aware of the impact increased fuel prices has had and these two additional schemes will provide welcome, targeted support to eligible vessel owners and to aquaculture producers," he said.
"Fishing and aquaculture are important elements of the economy, particularly here in the west and these two schemes will help to mitigate the impact of increased fuel costs.
The schemes will be administered by Bord Iascaigh Mhara and the process has been made as streamlined as possible with payments being made in lump sums without the need to submit fuel receipts."
He also paid tribute to the two ministers behind the schemes.
"I want to commend Martin Hayden, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine and also Minister of State with responsibility for Fisheries, Timmy Dooley TD for bringing forward these two schemes which will provide real and meaningful support to both sectors," he said.
Applicants who received an offer under the first call should not submit a new application for the same vessels or aquaculture business.
BIM will create an application for them and contact them directly with the relevant information.
Eligible operators who did not receive an offer or payment under the first call may submit a new application.
Under the Fishing and Aquaculture Registered Vessel Fuel Support Scheme, an existing applicant may also apply for an additional vessel that was not included in their original application.
The Aquaculture Business Vessel Fuel Support Scheme is open to eligible producers of salmon, rope-grown mussels and rope-grown seaweed.
Applications will open at 11 a.m. on Monday next, November 16.
They will close at 5 p.m. on Friday, November 27.