Further funding for the non-Gaeltacht islands announced

Inishturk and Clare Island to receive the same level of funding as 2014 this year, it has been announced

Funding of over €300,000 has been announced for the Non-Gaeltacht Islands for the period of mid-May to the end of 2015, with Inishturk and Clare Island standing to benefit.

Inishturk will receive €53,719.45 between mid May and December of this year, its second 2015 payment. This will bring the total figure the island will receive for the year to €84,650 – roughly the same amount that was distributed to the island in 2014.

Clare Island will receive €57,557.25 between mid May and this December. The island already received €33,142.75 this year, which means it will have received a total of €90,700 in 2015. Roughly the same figure, the island received in 2014.

Michael Ring TD, Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, welcomed the announcement, which was made by Minister of State for Gaeltacht Affairs, Joe McHugh TD.

“I understand that the Department has reached an agreement with Comhar na nOileΡn Teo who will be responsible for administering the fund in 2015. Funding for the non-Gaeltacht islands was previously provided by the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government,” Minister Ring explained.

Minister Ring noted that the Department of Gaeltacht Affairs has now reached an agreement with the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government regarding the funding, and resources are now available between both departments to ensure that the islands’ funding was not reduced.