‘No chance to react’ to college fund cut on Sherkin Island

The project co-ordinator for Sherkin Island Development Society says the decision to cut funding to a third-level course on the island means the community has not had a chance to react or seek alternative funding.

Aisling Moran says the society needs to know its funding arrangements in September, adding that this late decision, taken just last month, means there are real concerns that the community aspect of the programme will not be able to continue until May 2018.

She told RTÉ’s Morning Ireland that the programme, a partnership between Sherkin Island Development Society and Dublin Institute of Technology, is a unique and innovative one that adds to the fabric of social life on the island and means that five people can permanently live on Sherkin. Ms Moran said it is estimated that the programme results in an economic spin-off of €150,000 for the island annually.