#IslandNews - Nine offshore island communities are set to hold a press conference this coming Wednesday (19 November) over Government plans to terminate core funding for community development.
“The withdrawal of this funding will mean the collapse of a wide range of programmes, activities and initiatives on the islands," according to John Orpan, vice-chair of the West Cork Island Community Council.
That group is one of a number represents the nine non-Gaeltacht islands that would be impacted by the proposal, including Inishbofin, Inishturk, Clare Island, Bere Island, Sherkin Island, Dursey Island, Whiddy Island, Long Island and Heir Island.
Currently, five Island Community Development Companies covering these West Coast islands are managed by voluntary committees to provide services for their communities, funded with some €600,000 annually.
And locals fear that the termination of this core funding "will have disastrous short, medium and long-term effects" on the islands, which "are of added importance as a symbol of and link to the promotion of the Wild Atlantic Way" tourism initiative.
"The inhabited islands off the Irish coast are a unique reservoir of arts, culture, identity and heritage," said Michelle O'Mahoney of Clare Island. "They are home to living, breathing communities, and the Government has a duty to ensure that these communities remain viable and vibrant.”
Island representatives will air their position to the press and the Oireachtas at Buswells Hotel on Wednesday 19 November at 4pm.