Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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Question 82: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of islands inhabited here; if all islands have the basic services of water, electricity, sewerage, telephone and fire services; if not, the plans he has to provide such services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32594/07]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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The information sought by the Deputy in regard to the number of islands inhabited is set out in Table 11 of the 2006 Census Report and is available online at www.cso.ie.

However, in order to qualify for grant assistance from my Department, islands must meet the following criteria

not be in private ownership

not be connected by a bridge to the mainland

be cut off daily by tides from the mainland, and

be permanently inhabited.

The issues raised by the Deputy in regard to provision of basic services on islands are matters in the first instance for the statutory bodies concerned. However, in order to foster and support sustainable island development my Department has provided and will continue to provide assistance for suitable projects in co-operation with the relevant stakeholders, while having regard to prevailing budgetary constraints and priorities.