Low population remains big concern to Mayo island's revival

by Caoimhín Rowland

Hugely positive news is coming from the shores of one of Mayo’s most cherished islands.

Inishturk has already seen the Irish coast guard conduct testing operations on its brand new state-of-the-art helipad, an increase in the number of ferry routes from Roonagh pier is on the cards ahead of the summer and the opening of self-catering accommodation for tourists has been given the green light.

Despite the positive rumblings, there are some very real concerns that the island is inhabited by only 58 folk.

Its future is hanging by the thread but plans to present a vision for the survival of the island and its people are currently underway.

ACT, a Ballina-based social enterprise, has been conducting social workshops with the residents of Inishturk to aid locals in envisioning a blueprint for what their island will look like in 2050.

Currently, the island is on a thin line with an ageing population and they risk losing government support if that number drops below the feared 50 mark.

Community buy-in is their objective, helping residents in coming up with ideas of what they want their island to look like and aid in accessing government support once that vision is agreed upon by locals.

An unwanted fact also plagues Inishturk.

The failure of the Irish government to connect it to the national grid means it is completely reliant on fossil fuels, making it one of the most energy-inefficient parts of Ireland as a diesel generator on the island supplies all of the residents with power.

“Per-capita, it’s probably the worst emitter of fossil fuels in the country,” Joe Salam told me.

Fresh to the island, he found a job as a community service programme manager in the newspaper and he’s tasked with running the community club, bar and restaurant.

Originally a native of Rathfarnham in Dublin, he worked for several years in Dublin City Centre in community engagement and brings with him such vast experience, having run bars and arts events in the capital.

Through his work as a community engagement officer in inner city Dublin, dealing with anti-social behaviour issues in Stoneybatter on Dublin's northside, it seems a far cry from a tranquil island off Ireland's west coast.

Yet, he feels: “Inishturk is a micro example of the flats in Dublin I used to work in. Everyone knows each other, they’re possibly the best example of a community left in Dublin city. But they share the same problems [as people in Inishturk].

"The people want to secure a better future, keen on breaking the cycle, and ultimately change is never easy.”

Joe feels incredibly fortunate to be standing outside the community club on a beautiful sunny day overlooking the new helipad, with calm blue waters and a backdrop of Croagh Patrick in the distance. “Everywhere you look it’s like a postcard,” he boasts.

A positivity is clear in his voice and with development occurring already to help tackle the reliance on fossil fuels, it’s easy to understand why.

“Solar panels have been installed here on top of the club. We hope to get them operational in the next week or so,” he explained.

Self-sufficiency has always been integral to the running of Inishturk. It’s a working island and Joe credits the locals for their stewardship and the friendly welcome he has received.

Islanders work as fishermen and farmers with some seasonal workers, and tourism so far is minimal.

“It’s important a lot of the money that is generated from tourism stays on the island,” Joe stated.

Hopes to entice remote workers, digital nomads and families who wish to relocate to an idyllic island will be met with a housing shortage, like much of the Irish mainland.

Fortunately, however, islanders can expect an extra ferry route in June which will bring the number of trips up from 2 to 3 daily for the summer and if demand is met that may continue into the off-season.

For now, however, the goal for the 58 inhabitants is to ponder the future of the island.

ACT will return in September with proposals from the people of Inishturk. These ideas will then be presented and debated amongst the people and a collective approach will commence in Autumn when much more will be known about the blueprint for Inishturk 2050.