Sustainable Aquaculture Scheme

This scheme will support aquaculture operators who have a statutory consent to engage in aquaculture and any necessary consent under the Foreshore Acts, and who are in compliance with the terms and conditions of those consents.

However, applications in respect of sites located in marine Special Areas of Conservation, designated in accordance with the European Union Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC)(as amended), and/or Special Protection Areas, designated in accordance with EU Birds Directive (2009/147/EC), that are awaiting a determination of an aquaculture licence application/renewal made under Section 10 of Fisheries Amendment Act 1997, will not be eligible under this scheme.

The support rate under this scheme is 50%, with a grant aid cap of €500,000.

Eligible investments cover sustainable aquaculture; development of product innovation; reduction of energy use and energy efficiency; reduction of the negative impact or enhancement of the positive effects on the environment and increase of resource efficiency; enhancement of the quality of aquaculture products; reduction of the impact of aquaculture enterprises on water usage and quality; promotion of closed aquaculture systems employing closed recirculation systems; safety equipment; animal health and welfare; food quality and hygiene safety; general non-statutory costs and construction insurance costs.