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Island Communities

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 10 December 2020

Thursday, 10 December 2020

Questions (493)

Pádraig MacLochlainn

Question:

493. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development her plans to create a national islands plan and to give legislative protection to Ireland’s island communities to ensure their economic and heritage sustainability into the future during her term of office; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42621/20]

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Written answers

My Department is charged with progressing the development of a new National Policy for the Islands.   Prior to the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic my officials had been engaged in a process of consultation with island communities in relation to the development of the policy.  This consultation was carried out through public meetings on the islands.

The consultation process was temporarily suspended due to COVID-19 travel restrictions, to avoid health risks for the island communities.  However, my Department has been holding on-line consultations with representatives of the island communities where it was not possible to travel in person, and these consultations are almost complete.

My Department will also consult with other key parties in the New Year, with meetings being arranged with stakeholders such as the Education Training Boards, relevant Local Authorities, the HSE, the Irish Coast Guard and Comdháil OiIeáin na hÉireann.   

Following these final consultations, work will proceed on drafting the new policy.  While it is not envisaged that the policy will lead to island-specific legislation, an Action Plan to address all aspects of sustainability of island communities will form an integral part of the policy delivery.  In this regard, the development and drafting of the policy will be overseen by an Inter Departmental Committee, comprising representatives of key Departments across government.

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