Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

I am glad to hear action is being taken and I hope the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage follows through with lively action as a result. The report also has several recommendations on sustaining island life in west Cork and I am sure its findings are applicable to many other island communities. They include a rural settlement scheme aimed specifically at promoting the west Cork islands as places to live full time and improved broadband connectivity, which is crucial given the recent opportunities to work remotely, as well as regular, subsidised ferry crossings. These are all actions we should be looking into. When the west Cork islands group recently presented this research in the audiovisual room and to the Minister and her officials, it showed the incredible challenges the communities face but also their strength and vibrancy. Island life is a culturally unique way of life that needs to be valued and supported. I am glad to hear the Minister is taking actions and just hope they will result in concrete results for island communities.

See this speech in context