Funding Boost to Help Portavogie Fishing Community

The South East Area Fisheries Local Action Group (SEA FLAG) is pleased to announce that Marshall Engineering Services has been awarded grant assistance from the European Union and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs through Union Priority 4 of the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund.

Marshall Engineering Services provide vital engineering support and products to the local fishing industry. Through this investment, Marshall Engineering Services will purchase a telescopic handler enabling the business to become more efficient and attract a greater volume of work, including repair of propeller shafts and deck gear.

SEA FLAG Chair, Aldermen Angus Carson welcomed the investment, saying, “Funding like this is essential to the fishing dependent communities and I am pleased that grant aid has been secured by Marshall Engineering Services. Not only will it benefit this business but undoubtedly benefit local vessel owners.

“FLAG recognises it is essential that the local fleet have companies in the area, with the experience to support the ever-changing industry. Marshall has become an integral part of the fishing community and its specialist services play an important role in keeping our fleet at sea, allowing for smooth, efficient and profitable performance.”

Welcoming the grant aid, Matthew Marshall, commented, “I am delighted to receive approval for funding from Union Priority 4 of the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund and I must thank the Fisheries Local Action Group for all their support throughout the application process. This investment would not have happened without them. The funding will enable us to continue to develop the business while providing a high-quality service to the local fishing industry. I would encourage anyone with a project within our fishing dependent communities to contact SEA FLAG for more information on the process.”

SEA FLAG supports projects that focus on promotion of economic growth, social inclusion and job creation across the fishing dependent communities of Ardglass, Kilkeel, Portavogie and surrounding areas. It also supports labour mobility in coastal and inland communities depending on fishing and aquaculture, including the diversification of activities within fisheries and into other sectors of the maritime economy.

For further information please contact the SEA FLAG team at Newry, Mourne and Down District Council on 0300 013 2233 extension 2511 or visit the website www.seaflag.co.uk.