merrion street

• Investment in infrastructure projects on islands off Cork, Mayo and Donegal
• Funding to see improvements to roads, piers, helipads and public toilets

Minister for Rural and Community Development Heather Humphreys, T.D., has today (Tuesday, May 24th) allocated almost €286,000 for capital works on island infrastructure projects around the country.

The funding will see improvements made to roads, piers, helipads and public toilets.

The funding has been allocated to Cork, Mayo and Donegal County Councils as follows: 

The funding from the Department of Rural and Community Development will cover up to 90% of the capital cost for these projects while the local authorities will provide the balance.

This is the latest tranche of capital funding for island infrastructure projects in 2022, with over €2 million of grants announced earlier in the year and a further funding announcement in respect of other islands expected later in the year.

The islands to benefit from this round of funding are Cléire, Sherkin Island, Heir Island, Whiddy Island and Bere Island in County Cork, Inis Bigil (Doran’s Point) and Claggan in County Mayo, Island Roy and Toraigh in County Donegal.

Announcing the funding, Minister Humphreys said:

“Supporting our island communities by investing in infrastructure is a key commitment under our five year Government development policy, ‘Our Rural Future’.

“These projects will further enhance island life for both the local communities and indeed visitors alike.

“This is particularly important in terms of supporting the tourism industry on our offshore islands.

“Today’s announcement is further evidence of our commitment to our island communities – and will be followed by additional funding announcements in the weeks and months to come.”

ENDS