Salmon Hardship Community Support Scheme

The Salmon Hardship Community Support Scheme was initiated to support the development of additional economic opportunities in communities affected by the cessation of drift-net salmon fishing.

The scheme was not ordinarily directed at commercial salmon fishing license holders (who have the opportunity to avail of payments from the Salmon Hardship Scheme) but rather at the development of 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 or alternatively, where a promoter intends to employ a significant number of people formerly engaged in drift netting.

The types of projects that were eligible under the scheme included;

• Re-training of labour force previously involved in drift/draft net salmon fishing
• Re-training of labour force previously involved in ancillary activities associated with the commercial wild salmon fishery
• Diversification into non-salmon fishing economic activity (other than that covered by existing BIM schemes)
• Diversification from ancillary activities previously dependent on the wild salmon fishery
• Education and employment preparation for the labour force as at (1) and (2) above
• Projects to promote the quality of the coastal environment
• Any other appropriate community project identified during the course of the Scheme. Where proposed projects fall into this category, Galway Rural Development Company must first consult with and gain approval from the Department.

Training grants of up to 100% of costs. Private promoters seeking capital assistance eligible for up to 65% of eligible costs. Community projects seeking capital assistance eligible for up to 75% of eligible costs.

The closing date for applications was the 31st March 2009. Frank Keane in Galway Rural Development for further details: 091 844335; fkeane@grd.ie;