Islanders warn of ‘terminal decline’ as funds services axed

Communities on nine non-Gaeltacht islands have expressed concern at the news that the Department of the Environment, Community, and Local Government is to terminate funding to their five community development company offices from the end of next month.

The development offices deliver supports and services on the islands, addressing disadvantage, social exclusion, and isolation, and provide social and community activity.

The impacted islands are Inishbofin, Heir, Inisturk, Whiddy, Sherkin, Dursey, Bere, Long, and Clare Island.