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

I am delighted to confirm to the Deputy that I launched Our Living Islands, which is an ambitious ten-year policy designed to support vibrant and sustainable island communities. I launched the policy on Árainn Mhór off the coast of County Donegal on Wednesday, 7 June. I had the Irish version of the policy in my hand when I launched it. That was important. I fully understand that we should have the policy in Irish and I ensured we did.

The policy draws on the unique strengths and assets of the islands and sets out under its five strategic objectives a comprehensive way forward which will see island communities grow and prosper. Key to the development of the policy and action plan was the extensive public consultation which enabled island communities and other stakeholders to express their views as to the challenges and opportunities associated with living on an island.

As a result of delivering this policy, we will see more people living on the islands and more people working on our islands with good career prospects, regardless of where their employer is headquartered. Islands will be contributing to, and benefiting from, the transition to a low-carbon economy and a climate-neutral society. Island communities, and especially young people, will have an active role in shaping the future for Ireland’s islands.

Our Living Islands is the first whole-of-government policy for the islands to be published in 27 years and it will be backed up by rolling three-year action plans. I published the first of these action plans last week, with 80 commitments for the period from 2023 to 2026. The actions include improving housing and water infrastructure, better access to essential services in health and education, delivering high-speed broadband, supporting remote working and further developing outdoor amenities and sustainable tourism. These timebound actions will be implemented by various stakeholders led by a nominated Government Department. I will also be appointing representatives from the islands to an oversight committee, chaired by my Department, to ensure that the implementation of the policy is progressed. Toes will be kept to the fire.

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