Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Even though the report was specific to the west Cork islands, much of the findings are applicable to the majority of our islanders, relating to, for example, the quality of existing housing stock, the lack of availability of houses for sale or rent and the challenges of obtaining planning permission. I have spoken to Comhdháil Oileáin na hÉireann and all the islands have these challenges, which is why we want to try to address some of them. There are too many holiday homes and too many derelict houses. A lot of points are made in the report.

I have visited Bere Island. It is wonderful what is being done there. I have been to the glamping pod and the community centre. The island’s broadband was an issue and we have worked with the community there on a number of issues. Likewise, Sherkin Island got a huge investment from my Department and that will be a game changer in terms of what it can do in the community, given the level of funding that has been allocated to it. That is just two Cork islands, but other islands have also got support. I am committed to supporting them. Ports are a big issue on the islands, although achieving improvements in regard to all these things will be a matter for the longer term. The Leas-Cheann Comhairle knows all about the islands and raises them with me regularly, so she keeps me on my toes.

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