Minister announces new fuel support schemes for fishing and aquaculture sectors

The department has confirmed two fuel schemes for the fishing and aquaculture sector that aims to supplement previous schemes launched earlier this year.

Two fuel schemes have been announced to supplement schemes launched earlier this year. File picture: Dan Linehan

Two fuel schemes will open to supplement previous schemes launched earlier in the year for the fishing and aquaculture sectors.

Minister for agriculture, Martin Heydon, secured agreement that the balance of funds from the €15m allocated by the Government for initial fuel support schemes earlier this year for owners of registered vessels can be utilised for this purpose.

Applications will open at 11am on November 16, and close at 5pm on November 27, 2026.

The Fishing and Aquaculture Registered Vessel Fuel Support Scheme and the Aquaculture Business Vessel Fuel Support Scheme, administered by Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM), will provide targeted support to eligible vessel owners and aquaculture producers with fuel costs.

Payments under both schemes will be made via lump sums, calculated on previously receipted expenditure. Applicants do not need to gather or submit fuel receipts.

Applicants who received an offer under the first call should not submit a new application for the same vessels or aquaculture business. BIM will create an application for them and contact them directly with the relevant information. 

New applications may be submitted by eligible operators.

Under the Fishing and Aquaculture Registered Vessel Fuel Support Scheme, an existing applicant may also submit a new application for an additional vessel that was not included in their original application.

The Aquaculture Business Vessel Fuel Support Scheme is open to eligible producers of salmon, rope-grown mussels, and rope-grown seaweed.

Announcing the launch of both schemes, minister Dooley said: “Ireland’s fishing and aquaculture businesses are an important part of our coastal economy. These schemes, administered by BIM, will provide practical assistance to eligible operators as they continue to manage the impact of fuel costs.

"We have also sought to make the process as straightforward as possible. Payments will be based on payments of lump sums, meaning applicants will not need to gather or submit fuel receipts.” 

Full details of the schemes, including eligibility requirements and application arrangements, are available on the BIM website.