University College Cork researchers have completed a survey of the offshore islands, which concludes that long-term secure, affordable, available housing is essential
to maintain and build resilient, vibrant, and sustainable communities.
The researchers, Dr Conor Cashman and Dr Siobhan O’Sullivan, had previously analysed the housing situation on the West Cork islands for the Islands’ Federation,
Comhdháil Oileáin na hÉireann. They were asked to extend their survey to the other offshore islands of Donegal, Mayo and Galway.
The results are in “Ireland’s Offshore Islands: Housing Needs Survey”, which makes five key recommendations:
- Island-specific action plan with key targets/metrics
- Community-led Housing Association/Approved Housing Body,
- Advisory/Input role to National Policy Formation on Planning Guidelines,
- Advisory/Input role to National Policy Implementation on Vacant Homes, and
- Ongoing Research and Community Engagement.
The researchers say: “The information provided by respondents to this survey show a clear wish by full-time residents to remain on the islands, a desire by those previously living on the islands to return, and a cohort of people wishing to move to the islands for the first time. In all these situations, access to affordable and suitable housing is crucial. Island communities cannot be sustained without a specific housing policy that recognises the particular challenges islands face. The creation of long-term secure, affordable, available housing (whether to buy or to rent), is essential to fulfilling people’s needs as identified in the survey and to maintaining and building resilient, vibrant, and sustainable communities on Ireland’s offshore islands.”
Comhdháil Oileán na hEireann says it is imperative that all relevant Departments and County Councils seriously address the housing crisis on offshore islands.
“The future life of the islands depends on proper housing availability. Ring-fencing of funds is vital, housing solutions tailored to individual island’s needs and continued perhaps increased, financial support for renovating and building homes. Comhdháil applauds the depth of research and strength of the recommendations. There will be more discussion on the housing report when it is formally launched, along with possible actions for all the islands. It will be of huge importance to be included in the National Policy Formation on Planning Guidelines as this will greatly impact building on the islands.”
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