No other community has experienced such a dramatic population decline as the offshore islands, according to the Islands’ Federation
In 1841, the population on the islands was 34,219. By 2016 that number had reduced to 2,627.
“These figures have not improved and some islands have moved closer to the edge.
Serious and continued government support is needed to ensure the long-term viability of our offshore islands. Housing, energy, connectivity, infrastructure, lifeline services and capital funding are the main concerns says Rhoda Twombly, Secretary of Comhdháil Oileán na hÉireann, the Islands’ Federation.
“Housing has been identified as a key challenge. Not only is appropriate housing needed for current island residents, long-term, affordable housing is required for people, either islanders who have emigrated or those attracted to living on the islands as a result of lifestyle changes and remote working instigated by Covid-19.”
UCC School for Applied Social Studies is working with the Islands’ Federation on a housing survey to identify solutions.
“There is a strongly expressed opinion that there must be an ‘outside the box’ approach to the housing challenge,” says Secretary Twombly. “While local and national Government can be instrumental in funding and planning issues, islanders feel they must look to other housing strategies. Scotland has been a leader in alternative housing schemes for years: Community-led housing, self-build loan and rent-to-buy schemes are only three.”
Federation officials have met the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Social Protection, Community, Rural Development and the Islands to discuss the issues.