Protecting our Islands’ heritage

Another important part of the island of Ireland’s heritage is the many smaller offshore islands located off same, seven of which are inhabited in County Cork.

At a recent event on Sherkin Island, An Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Simon Coveney TD – in conjunction with the Government Chief Whip and Minister of State for the Irish Language, the Gaeltacht and the Islands, Seán Kyne TD – launched a consultation process aimed at formulating a new national policy for the future development of the islands.

This will be the first cross- Government policy developed for the islands in 23 years and will set a roadmap for the long-term sustainability and development of offshore communities.

The voices and views of islanders will be central to the process and consultation workshops will be held with island communities over the next three months, allowing local groups and individuals to have a direct input as the policy is developed.

Launching the consultation process An Tánaiste, Simon Coveney TD said: “We have seen significant capital investment on the islands in recent years but we need this consultation to ensure communities are supported in a sustainable way into the future.

“Our islands are a unique asset and there are many different stories of new industry and tourism that have been successfully developed on some islands. We now need to hear from our island communities on what enterprise, education and unique supports they need.”

Minister of State Seán Kyne TD, also speaking at the launch, noted that “over the past 20 years, over €100 million has been invested by the state in capital infrastructure on the islands” noting that the recently launched process presents “an opportunity to take stock of what has been achieved and to develop plans for a sustainable future over the years ahead”.