Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, has announced €828,000 in funding dedicated to vital infrastructure projects on Ireland’s offshore islands — with a strong focus on coastal protection measures to safeguard communities against rising sea levels and storm impacts.

The investment forms part of the Government’s ten-year Islands Policy, “Our Living Islands,” which prioritises enhancing the resilience of island communities facing increasing coastal erosion and climate-related risks.

Key upgrades will include the reinforcement and repair of piers, sea walls, and other coastal defences, alongside improvements to roads, street lighting, and general infrastructure.

Islands benefiting from this funding include:

County Galway: Inis Mór, Inisbofin, Cleggan
County Donegal: Oileáin Bheaga, Uaigh
County Mayo: Clare Island, Inisturk, Clynish, Inishlyre, Roonagh
County Cork: Bere Island, Dursey Island

Minister Calleary said: “Protecting our islands from coastal erosion and storm damage is essential to preserving the communities and way of life that thrive there. This funding will help strengthen vital coastal infrastructure — from piers to sea walls — ensuring these communities are safer and more resilient in the face of climate change.”

The Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht will fund up to 90% of the capital costs for these coastal protection works, with the remaining balance covered by the local authorities.

County allocations for this scheme include:

Cork: €521,580
Galway: €154,180
Mayo: €99,000
Donegal: €53,100

The projects form part of a wider national effort to enhance Ireland’s coastal resilience, particularly in remote island communities most vulnerable to sea level rise and extreme weather.

More details on the funding and projects are available at: Islands Funding Allocations

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