A special day for the Mayo island community of Inishturk
The Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, has visited Inishturk Island to see first-hand the impact of government investment in the island community through a range of rural, community and island development programmes.
During the visit, the minister met with local residents and community groups and viewed a number of projects that have received government support in recent years.
He also heard from the local community about their priorities for the sustainable future development of the island under the Renewed Community Futures Plan.
Speaking during the visit, Minister Calleary said: “Island communities make an invaluable contribution to Ireland’s social, cultural and economic life.
"The government is committed to supporting vibrant and sustainable island communities through targeted investment that responds to local needs and creates opportunities for current and future generations.
“Today’s visit demonstrates the positive impact that partnership between local communities, local authorities and government can achieve.
"The projects I have seen are helping to strengthen community life, improve local infrastructure, support recreation and tourism, and enhance the overall sustainability of island living.”
The minister’s visit coincided with the launch of the National Broadband Ireland network on the island, marking another important milestone for the National Broadband Plan.
This rollout ensures that people living and working on Inishturk have the same opportunities as those in our towns and cities, supporting sustainable communities, remote working, education and local enterprise in even the most remote parts of Mayo and beyond.
The minister also met with the network of local authority broadband officers who held a meeting of the Telecommunications Action Group at the Broadband Connection Point on the island.
The meeting was an opportunity for the minister to acknowledge the crucial role of broadband officers in capitalising on the significant investment in digital connectivity improvements through the rollout of the National Broadband Plan and the establishment of a national network of over 400 remote working hubs and 300 Broadband Connection Points.
A key focus of the next iteration of the government’s rural development policy, Our Rural Future, will be on maximising the potential of these networks for the benefit of rural communities.
Speaking at the TAG meeting, the minister said: "The government is committed to ensuring that rural communities continue to benefit from the opportunities that enhanced digital connectivity provides.
“It provides access to jobs in rural areas. It helps businesses to start and grow locally, facilitating balanced economic growth. It reduces social and rural isolation, supports rural regeneration and allows more people to remain in or return to the community in which they grew up.
“Broadband officers play an important role in enabling us to achieve our ambition, engaging with local stakeholders and providing the vital link between national policy and local delivery.”