Denis O'Donovan (Cork South West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 414: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the main schemes and programmes in his Department being provided to the offshore islands of County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42884/06]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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Since 1997, my Department and its predecessor, the Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands, have provided in the region of €6.5m for essential capital works on the islands off the County Cork coast. These works included pier and road improvements, water supply, waste management, car parking facilities, village renewal and coastal protection. Assistance is also available for the provision of community and recreational facilities and activities on the islands. It is intended to continue with this programme of investment in the islands over the coming years.

My Department currently subsidises six ferry services in Co. Cork serving Oileán Chléire, Sherkin, Bere, Whiddy, Heir and Long Islands at a total cost of over €308,000 per annum. In addition, earlier this year, I announced the establishment of a special Enterprise Scheme for non-Gaeltacht islands. The purpose of this scheme is to stimulate the establishment and development of a varied range of enterprise activities in order to promote the long-term sustainable development of the islands. Údarás na Gaeltachta supports enterprise development on the Gaeltacht islands.

I also launched a plan this year aimed at marketing the islands internationally as a niche product. The total cost of this initiative, which is being funded jointly by my Department and Fáilte Ireland, is €343,000 over a three year period. The Deputy can be assured that efforts will continue, over the coming years, to seek ways of achieving my Department's goal of supporting island communities with a view to ensuring the future of viable vibrant island populations.