A new ten-year national policy for islands promises to give increased grants to turn vacant or derelict buildings offshore into long-term homes.
The plan, entitled “Our Living Islands”, includes 80 commitments to improve housing and water infrastructure and better access to essential services, Minister for Rural and Community Development Heather Humphreys has said.
Better services in health and education,high speed broadband, support for remote working and developing outdoor amenities and sustainable tourism are also promised.
Existing grant ceilings will be increased by 20 per cent as part of the Government’s property refurbishment scheme, Croí Cónaithe, she has said.
The increase is “in recognition of the additional costs involved in construction on offshore islands”, she says.
Vacant home officers will identify vacant and derelict properties on islands, she says, and “E-health pods” will also be piloted to give islanders improved access to health appointments.
She says the Government’s forthcoming planning guidelines for rural housing will “recognise the unique challenges that island communities face”.
The policy and plan promises supports for remote working facilities and delivery of high speed broadband to schools, digital hubs and broadband connection points.
It commits to supports for outdoor recreation, such as cycling and swimming and expansion of the walks scheme to include more island projects.
It promises to increase job opportunities, including apprenticeships, and ensure investment in piers and roads, completion of Coast Guard station upgrades and supports for development of waste management plans for islands.
The new policy is accompanied by an action plan for the period 2023-2026.
It includes "80 new time-bound actions which have been agreed with and will be implemented by various stakeholders, led by a nominated Government department or State agency", Ms Humphreys said.
She published her policy during a visit to Árainn Mhór island in County Donegal today (June 7).
She also said she had approved funding of €1.9 million to support improvements to vital infrastructure on islands in Donegal, Sligo, Mayo, Galway and Cork.
Details of the policy can be viewed here