Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I reiterate that opportunities exist. Our Department will support any proposals that come in from the local authority. The west Cork islands integrated development strategy contains objectives for economic regeneration and the opportunity, in particular, to repurpose houses. There is certainly discouragement of building second or other individual homes at some points. There are also other sensitivities around ecology and Natura 2000 sites on the islands. These have to be taken into consideration. There is no doubt, however, that if the local authority submits proposals to get families living on the islands again, it is critically important that these are brought to our Department. The capital moneys are there. There is Croí Cónaithe funding and many other opportunities. From that perspective, the local authority has to be proactive in bringing forward proposals.

My understanding is that the issues relating to the cable car on Dursey Island are being resolved. It is critically important, from a broader perspective, that the Government is supportive of economic, social and environmental development on the islands. It is also important that local authorities are a big part of that process. Our Department will not be found wanting in that regard.

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