Start fight for island communities or populations will disappear

It was surprising to read that the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government plan to end funding from December 31 for five community development offices for the non-gaeltacht islands of Bere, Clare, Whiddy, Sherkin, Dursey, Long, Heir, Inishturk and Inishbofin. 

Most of the islands concerned are off the County Cork coast.

These islands have forged supportive relationships along the south and west coast in the last 15 years as a result of the existence of the CDOs. As a result, populations appear to have increased or remained steady at some of the islands. Tourism also increased.