"The West of Morecambe Fisheries fund was set up in 2013 for this very reason and numerous fishermen have benefitted. We are really pleased with the success of projects that we have been able to support, and as we begin offshore construction for Walney Extension we are delighted to announce an additional £300,000 contribution today."
In 2016 the East Irish Fishermen's Group, a collective of independent fishermen from various East Irish Sea ports including Fleetwood, was awarded funds for safety and fishing equipment. Other examples of successful projects include assistance with environmental assessments or expert services.
Ron Graham, Chairman of the Whitehaven Fishermen's Cooperative, said:
"Today's announcement that DONG Energy are to donate £300,000 to support fishing activities and communities as a result of the new Walney Extension offshore wind farm site will be warmly welcomed by fishing interests both here in the North West of England and in Northern Ireland.
"This donation demonstrates that the chosen route of cooperation with developers will bring very real positive results for the fishing industry."
Notices have been set out to fishermen in the area, and more information can be found at:
www.westofmorecambe.com
The proposed Walney Extension offshore wind farm, located approximately 19 kilometres off the coast of Cumbria, will have the capacity to power over 460,000 UK homes.
The project will be the largest wind farm in the world when built and is expected to be generating clean electricity by 2019.
Onshore construction began in December 2015 and offshore construction has now also begun.
