Funding for islands’ community development offices secure – Harrington

Fine Gael Cork South West TD, Noel Harrington, has today (Wednesday) welcomed the news that funding for community development offices on non-Gaeltacht islands is secure for the future. Deputy Harrington was speaking after a positive conclusion to discussions on the funding of non- Gaeltacht islands between the Department of An Gaeltacht and the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government.

“There is good news for the West Cork islands with confirmation that funding for their community development offices is secure. Minister for the Gaeltacht, Joe McHugh, has   confirmed that funding for non- Gaeltacht islands will continue to the end of March 2015 and that in the meantime, both his Department and the Department of Environment will examine ways of supporting the continuation of these vital island structures and services.

“Having brought Minister McHugh to visit both Sherkin and Bere Islands, I know he has a full appreciation of the challenges faced by island communities. He understands the importance of securing the funding for  the community development offices there.

“It is great to hear confirmation that both the Departments of Environment and Gaeltacht are working together to ensure that the services they provide are retained and supported.

“All in all it has been a good year for the islands, as this announcement comes on top of news we received in summer that a top up payment for island farmers under the Areas of Natural Constraint (ANC) scheme, is being included in the Rural Development Programme.

“Island communities face very specific challenges and it is crucial that the Government continues to appreciate that and support them in this way.”