'Lifeline support' funding boost for Mayo's offshore islands

The Minister for Community and Rural Development Heather Humphreys has confirmed that an additional €2 million has been allocated to support the offshore islands.

It will bring the total budgetary allocation for the islands from €8.983 million in 2020 to €10.983 million in 2021.

The additional allocation comprises €1 million in current funding and €1 million in capital funding to further assist the delivery of infrastructural programmes on the islands in 2021 and to maintain transport services to the islands.

The department has 26 separate contracts with ferry, bus, air and cargo operators in Mayo, Donegal, Galway and Cork to ensure that the offshore islands have reliable, safe, year-round, cargo, ferry and air services.

"These services provide lifeline support for the island communities in terms of mainland access while also supporting local economies through visitors to the islands," the minister added.