President Michael D Higgins has stressed the need for the State to protect and sustain the life and culture of Ireland’s islands.

Residents of Ireland’s most southerly inhabited island have called for a long-term solution to their water supply system as they face in to a fourth day of restrictions.

For the first time the population of the seven inhabited islands off the Cork coast have elected a joint community council which they hope will give them greater clout when it comes to gaining vital inward investment.