Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware, responsibility for the Islands transferred to this Department in 2020.

The Government's objective is that sustainable, vibrant communities can continue to live on the country’s offshore islands. My Department recognises that for this to be achieved it is essential that investment is made in the maintenance and upgrading of island infrastructure.

To this end, I have increased the allocation available for capital works on the islands from €2.64m in 2021 to €4.64m for 2022. This will enable me to approve an expanded works programme this year, which will include the annual programme for Minor Capital Works on the offshore islands, co-funded by the relevant Local Authorities.

Below is a table outlining the expenditure under the Island Minor Capital Works programme by my Department since taking responsibility for the islands in 2020.

It is important to note that, at this point, only an initial tranche of funding has been approved for 2022, with further applications currently under assessment. An announcement on further funding for 2022 is expected in the coming weeks.

Furthermore, there has long been an issue in relation to the poor condition of many roads on the islands in Donegal which were not eligible under the Minor Capital Works programme as they were not in charge of the Local Authority. 

In December 2021, officials from my Department and from Donegal County Council finalised a policy that would enable the Department to provide 100% funding to repair and upgrade these roads once Donegal County Council were satisfied that there was a public right of way on each road, and once they agreed to take these roads in charge. Following agreement on the matter, I approved a sum of €2,090,000 for the upgrade of these roads.