Island communities across the country will benefit from the funding announced by Minister Humphreys, including:
• County Galway: Aran Islands and Inisbofin
• County Donegal: Árainn Mhór Island and Toraigh Island
• County Mayo: Clare Island and Inisturk
• County Cork: Sherkin Island, Bere Island and Heir Island
Minister Humphreys also released the first progress report for 'Our Living Islands,' the Government's landmark national policy aimed at supporting vibrant and sustainable island communities.
In a statement, Minister Humphreys said: "Empowering our island communities by investing in infrastructure is a key commitment under our ten year Islands Policy, ‘Our Living Islands’. I’m delighted to announce funding today of €2.25 million to support the delivery and upgrade of dozens of infrastructure projects on our offshore islands. From roads and piers to coastal protection and street lighting – these projects are vital in terms of enhancing the island life for people living on our islands and the many visiting tourists."
Our Living Islands – Progress Report
The initial progress report for 'Our Living Islands' has been released, indicating completion of 10 out of 28 actions planned for the first year, with an additional 15 actions currently underway.
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According to the report:
• Some 21 applications have been made for the enhanced Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant (Croí Conaithe), which supports people to turn vacant and derelict properties into long-term homes;
• High-speed broadband under the National Broadband Plan has been rolled out on 10 islands, with 16 island schools connected and 11 Broadband Connection Points in place;
• The HSE has delivered significant investment through training, equipment and the provision of two new ambulances for Árainn Mhór and Inis Mór;
• The Inis Oírr pier redevelopment has progressed to tender stage;
• The construction of new a helipad on Inishturk has been completed at a cost of €409,000 and is now operational;
• New fire vehicles have been procured and delivered to the airports on each of the Aran Islands, completing the fleet replacement programme at a cost of €400,000;
• Comhar na nOileán has been appointed as the Local Action Group for the LEADER programme on the Galway islands and is an Implementing Partner with the relevant LAGs for the islands off the coast of Donegal and Cork;
•The Road Safety Authority (RSA) delivered face-to-face presentations to Transition Year students in Gairmscoil Mhic Diarmada on Árainn Mhór.
Launching the progress report, Minister Humphreys said:
"'Our Living Islands', which I launched last year, is the first national Islands policy in 27 years. In conjunction with this new round of funding, I’m pleased today to set out the concrete actions that we are taking under 'Our Living Islands' in order to make our island communities more vibrant and sustainable places to live, work and visit. It’s clear that this landmark policy, matched with unprecedented investment, is already having a hugely positive impact on island life. I am determined to ensure that we build on this progress – delivering in areas such as health, education, transport and the environment."
The overall county allocations approved by Minister Humphreys are:
• Donegal County Council: €604,000
• Mayo County Council: €121,894
• Galway County Council: €557,730
Cork County Councils: €979,763
The Department of Rural and Community Development funding will cover up to 90% of the capital costs for these projects, with local authorities contributing the remaining balance.
The islands set to benefit from this funding include Árainn Mhór, Toraigh, Inis Meáin, and Uaigh Island in County Donegal; Clare Island, Inishturk, and Inishlyre in County Mayo; Inishbofin, Inis Mór, Inis Meáin, and Inis Oírr in County Galway; and Bere, Heir and Sherkin Islands in County Cork.
