Island homes saved from crumbling into sea

Houses on Inis Bofin have been saved from falling into the sea in a multi-million euro project, it was claimed today.

Decades of coastal erosion had threatened several cottages and a major road on the island off the coast of Co Galway.

The €8m Government project included coastal protection, the construction of a new slipway and major pier improvements.

Rural & Gaeltacht Affairs Minister Eamon O Cuiv said: “There was a pressing need for many years to protect the island from the detrimental effects of coastal erosion and the very real danger of the island’s main road and houses actually falling into the sea.”

The works on the island, which has a population of almost 200, were carried out under the supervision of Galway County Council.

“The project will be of great benefit, socially and economically, for this vibrant island community for many years to come,” Mr O Cuiv said.

An airstrip was recently completed on Inis Bofin.

Last month a €14m harbour was opened on Inis Meain, one of the Aran Islands.