· Islands off Cork, Galway, Mayo, Sligo and Donegal to receive investment
· Improvements to roads, piers and slipways and measures to combat coastal erosion
· Further funding to be announced for our island communities in coming weeks
The Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, has today (Thursday, 13th May) announced almost €1.1 million to support a range of capital works on our offshore islands.
Funding has been approved for Cork, Galway, Mayo, Sligo and Donegal County Councils as follows:
| Cork County Council | €124,425 |
| Galway County Council | €166,500 |
| Mayo County Council | €747,000 |
| Sligo County Council | €7,470 |
| Donegal County Council | €47,500 |
| Total: | €1,092,895 |
Projects for which funding has been allocated in this announcement include:
Ø The resurfacing of island roads which are crucial for local connectivity
Ø Repair works to piers and slipways
Ø Works to combat coastal erosion
Islands/projects that will benefit from the funding include Inis Mór in the Aran Islands, County Galway; Coney Island in County Sligo; Whiddy Island in County Cork; Clare Island, Inishturk, Inis Bigil and the Old Roonagh Pier in County Mayo; Island Roy, Toraigh and Árainn Mhór in County Donegal.
Each of the County Councils provide co-funding for these works.
Announcing the funding today, Minister Humphreys said:
“The Government’s new policy for rural development, Our Rural Future, commits to investing in critical infrastructure throughout rural Ireland, including our offshore islands.
“I am therefore delighted today to announce funding of €1.1m towards capital projects on islands off Cork, Galway, Mayo, Sligo and Donegal.
“The funding will allow the relevant Local Authorities to undertake improvement works on the islands. These improvements will greatly benefit these communities, as well as those visiting these beautiful locations.
“Our coastal islands are an integral part of the State’s heritage and hold a wealth of cultural tradition. Funding for these projects further demonstrate the Government’s commitment to supporting our island communities.
“Additional projects are being evaluated at present and a second round of funding for will be announced shortly.”
A full list of funded projects is available on gov.ie.
