Housing Provision

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 April 2023

Tuesday, 18 April 2023

Questions (1843, 1844)

Holly Cairns

Question:

1843. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will provide her response to the recommendation in the University College Cork report: 'Housing and Sustaining Communities on the West Cork Islands', to "establish a gateway housing programme for the islands to attract newcomers, ensuring that plans are put in place to ensure the availability of housing for those wishing to remain on the island full-time at the end of the trial period". [17505/23]

Holly Cairns

Question:

1844. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will provide her response to the recommendation in the University College Cork report: 'Housing and Sustaining Communities on the West Cork Islands', to "establish a multi-agency islands housing body in consultation with island residents to manage housing on the islands. Key to the success of such a body will be to ensure the meaningful and inclusive representation of all island residents". [17506/23]

Written answers

Minister for Rural and Community Development

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1843 and 1844 together.

As the Deputy will be aware, my Department is currently finalising a new National Islands Policy. This policy will set out the Government's vision for supporting and sustaining our island communities.

Officials from my Department have engaged with the authors of the report referred to by the Deputy in order to discuss their findings and recommendations. The recommendations are now being considered by my Department in the context of the forthcoming National Islands Policy, in consultation with various stakeholders across Government Departments and State bodies, including the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and the relevant Local Authorities.

Question No. 1844 answered with Question No. 1843.