Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 June 2023
1410. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the extent to which she expects to support efforts towards population regeneration on habitable offshore islands; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28574/23]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, I launched the Government's new National Islands Policy, Our Living Islands, on 7 June 2023.
Our Living Islands sets out 5 Strategic Objectives, one of which is "Strategic Objective 1 - Revitalise population levels on the islands".
In the associated action plan, firm and time-bound commitments have been given by various Government departments and agencies to fulfil this strategic objective.
Depopulation was the issue of greatest concern to the island communities during the consultation process. Our Living Islands aims to reverse the population decline witnessed on most of the islands while building sustainable futures for island communities as well as empowering them in developing their own islands
The outcomes of delivering this policy will see more people living on the islands and being able to work on the islands regardless of where their employer is headquartered.
