asked the Minister for Finance the proposals the Central Development Committee have in respect of inhabited non-Gaeltacht islands; if any proposals have been implemented to-date; and the plans for the implementation of any other proposals.
Written Answers. - Non-Gaeltacht Islands.
53.
Arising from a report prepared for me by the Central Development Committee, the Government decided in 1979 on a number of measures aimed at improving the living conditions of the inhabitants of non-Gaeltacht islands off the west coast.
The measures include the provision of electricity on certain islands, improvements in assistance for housing, improvements to water supply, sanitary services and communications, general economic development and community development.
Implementation of the various measures is a matter for the appropriate Departments and agencies and is being proceeded with. A number of the proposals have been implemented in full on various dates since 1979; for example new house loans and grants have been increased, house improvement grants have been retained for the islands and increased; Bord Fáile have increased the grants available on the islands under the supplementary holiday accommodation scheme and proposals have been issued to local authorities regarding water and sewerage works on the islands. Substantial progress has also been made by the ESB in providing electricity on certain islands. In addition, the county development teams, in conjunction with the Industrial Development Authority and the Department of Agriculture are investigating means of increasing the level of economic activity on the islands.
Progress on the implementation of the Government decision is monitored by a permanent sub-committee of the Central Development Committee established for that purpose.