Ensuring housing the best way to get people to live on gaeltacht island, says co-op manager
This is according to the regional authority responsible for the economic, social, and cultural development of Irish-speaking regions, Údarás na Gaeltachta.
The comments come amid serious housing shortages on Cape Clear, Cork, and how the lack of housing there threatens the island's survival.
The Irish Examiner last month highlighted a search by the island's co-op, Comharchumann Chléire Teoranta, for a new teacher and families.
Housing has become a particularly acute issue on what is one of only six of Ireland's inhabited islands in the gaeltacht.
An Údarás na Gaeltachta spokesperson said: 'We are acutely aware of the housing challenges that exist across gaeltacht areas, including the islands.
'While Údarás na Gaeltachta's remit does not cover housing provision, we recognise the lack of adequate housing presents significant obstacles in recruiting skilled workers and for maintaining vibrant Irish-speaking communities.
The housing shortage represents a critical infrastructure gap that undermines the economic and community development work we undertake
The warning echoes one made by the body in September 2022, when it warned holiday homeowners are among the biggest threats to the survival of the Irish language.
It said the lack of housing in gaeltacht areas was forcing young couples to move away from parts of the country where Irish is the predominant language spoken.
With just four children enrolled to start in the island's primary school this year, there are concerns about Cape Clear's Scoil Náisiúnta Inis Chléire ability to stay open.
Restoration for renting
In a bid to encourage people to move to the island, Comharchumann Chléire Teoranta started persuading islanders to use government grants to restore derelict properties and make them available to rent.
Two properties are due to be ready for occupancy by the end of the year, with one due by the end of August.
A points-based competition run solely by the co-op to find tenants for these homes was launched in July and has attracted interest from 16 families.
One of the main criteria is that families would have children of primary school-going age, and two families have so far been chosen as suitable.
They each have children, their parents are employed, and can work either in a hybrid or remote capacity, and they either speak Irish or at least have a connection to the island.
The rent they pay and the length of time they stay will now be determined by whatever agreement they come to with the respective landowners.
Comharchumann Chléire Teoranta Bainisteoir Kevin McCann, who runs the island's co-op, says young Irish people are forced to leave due to housing pressures. Picture: Neil Michael.
Comharchumann Chléire Teoranta bainisteoir Kevin McCann said: 'We are delighted with the result of the competition we ran. Our overall aim is to get permission to build gateway housing on the island that people can live in for a period of time before they build their own property on the island.
"We want to encourage people to come to the island and live, and the best way to do that is to make sure there is accommodation for them when they get here.'
Údarás na Gaeltachta added: 'We have seen first-hand how businesses struggle to attract and retain employees when suitable accommodation is not available, and how young Irish speakers are forced to leave their communities due to housing pressures.
'We continue to work collaboratively with local authorities, government departments, and other stakeholders to highlight these challenges and advocate for solutions.
'We regularly engage with the Department of Housing and local councils to emphasise how housing shortages directly impact economic sustainability in gaeltacht areas.
'We believe that a co-ordinated approach between all relevant agencies is essential to address both the economic and housing needs of gaeltacht communities, ensuring that our investments in business development can achieve their full potential in supporting thriving Irish-speaking communities.'
Cork County Council was asked for a comment.
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