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

I try to meet the islands communities at the Comhdháil na nOileán AGM if I can. I was not able to do so last year but I hope to do so this year. I like to see action, just as Deputy Connolly does.

Some good things have happened on the islands. Last week, I announced the largest ever expansion of Ireland's national walks scheme with 62 new trails, across 17 counties. This includes five trails on two offshore islands, namely, Inis Meáin and Oileán Chléire. Separately, high-speed broadband has been delivered to broadband connection points, the digital hubs and schools on the islands, under the national broadband plan. Moreover, the nationwide road safety education service delivered four presentations to schools on islands in 2023. The Croí Cónaithe grant with the top-up from my Department has allowed a good few applications to be made for people to build houses on the islands. I will come back to the Deputy with the number. These will make a difference. As I said, I want to see progress on the islands, in the same way as Deputy Connolly does.

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