Christopher O'Sullivan (Cork South West, Fianna Fail)
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346. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development if budget 2021 is providing increased funding for the islands; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34098/20]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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I am pleased to inform the Deputy that an additional €2 million has been allocated to my Department to support the offshore islands under Budget 2021. This will bring the total budgetary allocation for the islands from €8.983 million in 2020, to €10.983 million in 2021.

The additional allocation comprises €1 million in Current funding and €1 million in Capital funding to further assist the Department to deliver infrastructural programmes on the islands in 2021, and to maintain transport services to the islands.

The Department has 26 separate contracts with ferry, bus, air and cargo operators in Donegal, Mayo, Galway and Cork to ensure that the offshore islands have reliable, safe, year-round, cargo, ferry and air services. These services provide lifeline support for the island communities in terms of mainland access, while also supporting local economies through visitors to the islands.