Frances Black (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I wish to raise a powerful briefing I attended yesterday by Comhar na nOileán CTR, which was facilitated by Deputies Connolly and Ó Cuív. The group came in to speak about a campaign that is being run by the islands of Ireland for the past 38 years. They want the islands to be recognised as a specific sub-regional area. The briefing actually blew me away and I believe that such recognition would allow for targeted and ring-fenced supports to facilitate the economic and community development necessary to ensure that these islands remain inhabited for generations to come.

I was on an island myself last week during the recess period, on a day trip, and it was beautiful but I heard that one of the islands, in particular, close by was down to a population of approximately 35 people, many of whom were over 60 years of age. It is somewhat scary as we do not want another Blasket Island situation where people have to leave the island.

The islanders are the custodians of some of Ireland’s most precious cultural and ecological wealth but their existence is definitely perilous. The depopulation vulnerability is very worrying, particularly around extreme weather.

The European Union is far ahead of Ireland in providing legal and economic frameworks for the support of island communities. Articles 174 and 349 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union outline the distinct geographical conditions of islands and permit the EU and its member states to enact special measures to counteract the structural handicaps that islands face. Ireland needs to look to examples from Europe and elsewhere to enact a more forward-thinking and just policy for its islands.

I have spoken many times here about my father coming from an island and I spent much of my youth on Rathlin Island. This island is one of the islands in the Six Counties. I had a wonderful upbringing going to Rathlin island but at one point, the population of that island dropped to just 70 people and the school faced closure because it had only four pupils. Thankfully, the Northern authorities stepped in and provided support and services, including the construction of some beautiful social housing on the island. This allowed many of the younger islanders who had departed to return home, which was very helpful. The island now has a population of 160 people, with 20 children in the school.

This kind of renewal and reinvigoration is possible for all Irish islands but we really need to work for it. I would love if the Leader could please facilitate a debate on this issue and if the Minister could come in to address this House on the progress that is being made in this area.