Apply Now for the FLAG Coastal Communities Development Scheme

The FLAG Coastal Communities Development Scheme is accepting applications until 31 January 2026. The goal of the scheme is to support a healthy and long-lasting blue economy in coastal, island and inland areas, and to help fishing and aquaculture communities grow. 

Seven Fisheries Local Action Groups (FLAGs) will help manage a €15m fund running from 2025- 2029. These groups will choose projects that match their local development strategies. 

Announcing the reopening of the scheme in late November, Richard Donnelly, interim CEO, Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM), highlighted the impact this scheme is having on Ireland’s coastal communities, and how it is helping to strengthen the economic prospects and long term social sustainability of communities that rely heavily on fishing and aquaculture. He said: 

“Since its launch earlier this year, more than 100 projects have already received funding across the seven FLAG regions. The local expertise of each of the FLAG board members is essential to the scheme’s continued success to support and sustain our coastal communities for generations to come.” 

Scheme Details

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.

This FLAG Coastal Communities Development scheme is competitive. This means all eligible applications will be scored and placed in order. If there are more applications than available funding, money will be given to the highest ranked ones.  

All projects must be completed and claims for payment submitted no later than 31 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.

Applications to the FLAG Coastal Communities Development Scheme are due by Thursday 29 January, 2026. 

Full information, including regional FLAG priorities, can be found here.