FARNET
Fisheries Areas Network

FLAG Factsheet

North West FLAG

Official name: 
FLAG North West
Country:
Code: 
IE202
Programming period: 
2007-2013
2014-2020

Area

The FLAG North-West area is found along the coasts of counties Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim and comprises the 69 local electoral areas extending 10km from the coastline.

This is a sparsely populated area with a population of 71 675 people and just twelve settlements of more than 1 500 inhabitants.

Fishing and tourism are prominent within the coastal towns. There are 219 licenced registered fishing vessels in the area and 60% of these are day boats under eight metres in length. Brown crab, shrimp and lobster are the main target species for processing in the area and 75% of this catch is exported to mainland Europe and Asia.

The aquaculture industry here consists mainly of oysters grown on trestles and mussels grown on lines with some scallop, razor, and periwinkle fishing. Salmon farming is also found in Clew Bay and on Clare Island.

Challenges here include creating and maintaining job opportunities, dealing with an ageing population, and maintaining the numbers of people involved in fisheries at their current level.

Type of area:
Sea Basins:
Population
71 675
Surface area (km²)
4 083
Population density
18
Total employment in fisheries
300
Fishing: 
100
Processing: 
200

FLAG strategy

The strategic priorities of the FLAG include:

  • Creating and maintaining jobs in coastal areas
  • Lifelong learning and attracting young people to fisheries and aquaculture areas
  • Adding value to fishery and aquaculture products
  • Promoting innovation in fisheries in aquaculture and supporting diversification inside and outside commercial fisheries
  • Promoting social wellbeing and culture heritage in fisheries and aquaculture areas
  • Strengthening the role of governance of fisheries communities in local development

The FLAG's full strategy can be found here.

Objective: 
Adding value, creating jobs, and promoting innovation along the fisheries chain
Priority: 
5
% of the budget allocated: 
57%
Supporting diversification
4
14%
Enhancing and capitalising on the environmental assets
1
5%
Promoting social wellbeing and cultural heritage
3
14%
Strengthening the role of fisheries communities in local development
2
8%

Funding

Total public budget allocated to the FLAG for 2014-2020: 
1 500 000
  • EMFF: 
    750 000
  • MS co-financing: 
    750 000
  • Sources of co-funding: 

    National

Project examples

In terms of infrastructure, several pontoons and jetties have been developed. As for tourism, the FLAG has been involved in the creation of signage and information products for tourists. In terms of marketing the group has helped several fishermen set up market stalls at local markets.

Calls for proposals

At least one call for projects is envisaged every year, opening in February and closing in March. Additional calls may take place when the budget remains unspent. More information can be found at www.bim.ie/schemes.

Expertise & cooperation

The FLAG has experience in seafood promotion, coastal tourism and capacity building. They are interested in marine tourism in Achill, Sligo, Westport and Erris and seafood promotion across the region as well as nationally and sharing this experience when it is useful.

Budget envisaged for cooperation: 
125000.00

Partnership

Members of the partnership: 

FLAG members include an oyster co-operative, a fishermen’s co-operative, the Island Communities Organisation (ICO), several private fishermen and Údarás na Gaeltachta (the regional authority for the Irish speaking community). The FLAG has six representatives from the fisheries sector and one representative from the aquaculture sector.

Number of individuals/organisations in partnership/general assembly: 
15
% of fisheries actors: 
30%
% of other (non-fisheries) private / NGO sector actors: 
30%
% of environmental actors: 
10%
Number of individuals on main decision-making body/board: 
15
% of public actors: 
30%

Map

FLAG Contacts

BIM North West
 
BIM office Community Centre
Cleggan
H71 XN77 County Galway
Ireland
FLAG Manager:
Mr. Declan Nee
Phone:
+353 95 44973
FLAG President:
Mr. Gerard Hassett
Languages:
  • English (Mother tongue)
Publication date: 
18/04/2017
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