Islands open first card-operated service station

The country’s first card-operated service station for the public has opened on the Aran Islands.

Gaeltacht Affairs Minister Eamon O’Cuiv officially unveiled the facility on Inis Mor, which has one tank earmarked for biofuels.

It is the latest landmark initiative to be rolled out on the off-shore islands after last March’s launch of an electric bus.

Mr O’Cuiv also turned the sod on the island’s €40m new port project, the single biggest investment in the islands in the country’s history.

“We are all aware of the challenges posed by climate change, and the need to find more sustainable energy sources and practices,” said Mr O’Cuiv

“My Department has been working closely with Sustainable Energy Ireland over the past year and Terms of Reference have been drafted for a major energy needs survey of the islands, using the Aran Islands as a pilot, aimed eventually at developing strategies that will reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

“The station provides the islanders with diesel at present and I believe that one tank has been earmarked for biofuels, for when they become commercially viable on the island.”

The Department of Community, Rural & Gaeltacht Affairs said the station will be unmanned and members of the public will be able to refuel and pay at pumps using special cards, details of which have yet to be revealed.

Inis Mor is the country’s largest populated off-shore island with 824 inhabitants.

The harbour project – Cill Ronain Port – was announced last July and Mr O’Cuiv said it is further evidence of the government’s commitment to rolling out infrastructural projects for isolated communities.

“The scale of these works on Inis Mor, Arainn, demonstrates the importance of our islands in a national context.

“It is also a clear indication of our commitment to levelling the playing field throughout the country by providing the necessary infrastructure to isolated areas,” he said.

Last March the first electric bus on an off-shore island was also launched by Mr O’Cuiv on Inis Oir.

The five-seater eco-vehicle for locals and tourists was introduced to save on normal running costs like fuel, tax and insurance while also reducing noise and CO2 emissions.