Ireland

Ireland is surrounded by some of the most productive waters in the EU. The seven Irish FLAGs aim to promote marine and eco-tourism by taking advantage of the local biodiversity and protected habitats. Additionally, they look to leverage synergies with national/local tourism initiatives and boost the business potential of the small-scale coastal fishing vessels.

An Irish FLAG has supported a local, family aquaculture business that farms Gigas oysters to improve processing methods, reduce energy consumption and cut waste.

A local company set up by Achill community two decades ago, has created an aquarium in a disused building they own, engaging volunteers, retired fishers and fisheries-related workers. The Achill Experience Aquarium and Visitors Centre became the first cultural space in Ireland based on local fisheries heritage and remains one of the biggest attractions of the county.

Cuan Beo was set up by community members living and working near Galway bay, who were cognisant of a general decline in the quality of the famous shellfish producing waters in the Bay.

The sixteenth edition of the FARNET magazine explores sustainability, blue growth and the circular economy from a CLLD perspective. What have we learnt in the ten years since a CLLD approach was first introduced in fisheries areas under the EMFF? How can we position fisheries CLLD for the future? Is the circular economy key? These are just some of the questions addressed in this thought-provoking edition.

A local fisherman takes the initiative to explore how solar lighting might improve safety and make working hours more flexible at the remote pier where he lands his fish.

A fisheries cooperative embraces the use of new technology to ensure the sustainability of its native oyster stocks. By adopting spat collectors (“coupelles”) used in France, the Tralee Oyster Fisheries Society has offered a brighter future to its oyster fishers and the local tradition they represent.

Os GALP irlandeses apoiaram o desenvolvimento de seis fóruns regionais de pesca em águas costeiras (RIFF, do inglês «Regional Inshore Fisheries Forums») e um fórum nacional de pesca em águas costeiras (NIFF, do inglês «National Inshore Fisheries Forum») para assegurar a representação do segmento de pequenas dimensões da frota na tomada de decisão regional e nacional.

West FLAG supports business development among some of the most marginalised and remote communities in the country, including offshore islands and native Irish speaking communities where a seaweed company has grown from one to four employees.

Unusually for Ireland, the FLAG area has a relatively strong urban structure with 22 settlements falling into the aggregate urban area category of over 1,500 inhabitants (14 of which are at close proximity to the coast).