Islands of Ireland: Small islands, big ambitions

European Small Islands' Network was set up in 2001, with Ireland a leading advocate, along with Denmark, Finland, France, Sweden, and Scotland.

Inishlyre, Clew Bay, Co Mayo. Home to just three residents, including the secretary of the European Islands' Network (ESIN), Rhoda Twombly. Picture: Dan MacCarthy

It is a long way from the Clew Bay island of Inishlyre to the corridors of power in Brussels, but for the secretary of the European Small Islands' Network (ESIN), the occasional trip there is vital.

The journey involves a half-hour on a boat to Rosmoney Pier, Co Mayo,  by road to Westport, and then a further drive to Knock or Dublin to catch a flight to Belgium.