Bid to provide island housing for 'wannabe' islanders

Island communities may be able to provide one answer to Ireland’s lengthy housing lists — they’re investigating ways of helping “wannabe” islanders to create new lives offshore.

The West Cork Islands Community Council has established a housing task group to work with affiliated communities and Cork County Council to identify the best way forward to provide housing for people on the housing list who want to live on an island, as well as offering affordable or sheltered housing for the elderly.

“Research is being carried out at the moment to identify houses available on the islands for this,” said Anne Finch, newly elected chairperson of the community council.