Blueprint hopes to unlock islands’ tourist potential

A MAJOR blueprint for the future of Cork’s seven inhabited islands will include promoting them as tourist destinations.

The blueprint includes creating a primary healthcare model for islanders, which will form a nationwide pilot project.

In addition, a combined energy plan is being looked at, as well as developing high-value farming.

Funding has already been received by project promoters Cork County Council to enhance island living by creating more infrastructure which will, in turn, attract more tourism.

The blueprint document will be launched this Friday at the West Lodge Hotel, Bantry by Pat Carey, Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs.

It is also proposed that food and shipwright training courses will be provided for some of the residents on Dursey, Whiddy, Sherkin, Cape Clear, Long, Heir and Bere islands.

It is also intended to enhance some of the islands’ history to attract tourists, such as the Lonehort battery on Bere Island. The battery was built by the British army in 1899 and possesses two six-inch guns, an infantry trench, guard house, parade area, engine house and various underground structures.

The mayor of Co Cork Jim Daly said a number of agencies, including the county council, LEADER groups and the HSE had engaged with the nearly 500 islanders to examine measures to be adopted in the years ahead for the collective good.

“One of the main ideas is to unlock the tourism potential of these islands,” said Mr Daly.

Fáilte Ireland is to fund a brochure for the Cork islands and is to get its staff to visit them on familiarisation tours. Islanders are also to be given support and training to promote themselves on the internet.

“This new strategy is a long overdue development recognising these island communities and their enormous wealth of history, culture and language, especially as we had major participation from the islanders in setting this up,” said Mr Daly said.

In 1841 the islands had a combined population of 5,798. This has dwindled in recent year to fewer than 500, although it increases during the tourism season.

“The population on the islands is pretty static at present, although seven new homes are currently under construction on Bere Island.

“We want to ensure the viability of the island populations and there are several ways of doing this, not least to try and focus on fostering year-round tourism,” the mayor added.