Increased sailings critical for survival of island community

A MAYO island community are pleading with the government to provide a fair ferry service to ensure their survival.

A tender has been advertised for the ferry contract for Clare Island for 2021 to 2026. The closing date for tenders is June 8.

With just two sailings a day, a campaign has been launched to have the current advertised tender withdrawn and the number of daily crossings increased.

Campaigners say Clare Island’s service is inferior to all other islands and that their wishes were ignored when they asked for an improved service.

The community want to have the same opportunities as other islands and need a new tender that reflects the community’s needs.

A YouTube video that highlights their concerns is being shared via social media, calling for the government to take action.

It sets out how in November 2020, the community were asked about their ferry service needs. But when the contract was published in May, they found that 'these needs have been completely ignored'.

They are asking the department to urgently change the tender and give the community a chance to survive.

The video highlights major advancements on the island, such as broadband, which has made remote working possible.

However, the ferry tender has not been improved, while other islands have a better service, which can be seen in the stabilisation of their populations, with the numbers of young people living and working there.

A vibrant community is possible on Clare Island if they are supported.

Children should be able to commute daily to secondary school, for instance, otherwise families will be lost to the island.

Currently, children will leave home and live on the mainland during weekdays to attend second-level school.

Two sailings is not enough, they say, for people who work on the mainland and the number of sailings needs to be increased.

You can view the campaign video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JPwVB8jR-VQ