Our Rural Future: Minister Humphreys announces over €412,000 for 11 projects on our offshore islands
· New ‘Our Islands’ measure under CLÁR Programme to support community infrastructure projects
· Purchase of vehicles, gym and picnic equipment to enhance island life
Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, today (Friday, June 24th) announced over €412,000 to support 11 different projects on our offshore islands.
The funding for community groups of a new ‘Our Islands’ measure under the Department’s CLÁR Programme and is designed to make our islands more attractive places to live and visit.
Among the projects being funded include:
- Co Mayo: Inishturk Community Club CLG – €11,476.60 to purchase fencing to secure and make safe the boundaries of the playground
- Co Galway: Coiste Chomhlacht Forbartha Inis Meáin – €114,147 for the purchase of a plug-in hybrid minibus, PV panels, and a plug-in charging point.
- Co Cork: Bere Island Projects Group CLG – €72,693 to fund an electric wheelchair accessible bus with PV charging panels on the community Centre.
- Co Donegal: Comharchumann Forbartha & Fostaiochta Árainn Mhór – €24,224 for the placement of recycled plastic, outdoor seating throughout the Island for use by walkers and cyclists.
- Co Galway: Inis Oírr Comhar Caomhán Teo – €56,814.83 for the enhancement of existing public toilets facilities and associated litter/recycling infrastructure
The funding is for community groups is on top of the €1.62 million announced by Minister Humphreys this week to support community first responders across the country.
Announcing the funding for the island groups, the Minister said:
“I am delighted to announce over €412,000 for 11 successful projects under the new ‘Our Islands’ measure, which comes under my Department’s CLÁR Programme.
“Community and voluntary organisations play a critical role in providing vital services to our offshore communities – making them more attractive places to live and visit.
“These islands have seen significant levels of depopulation over the years and face challenges such as rural isolation and population decline.
“I was therefore delighted to tailor the CLÁR Programme so that specific supports could be channelled directly to our island communities.”