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Minister McHugh welcomes positive discussions between Dept of An Gaeltacht and Dept of Environment, Community and Local Government on issue of non – Gaeltacht islands

Commenting on the developments, Minister for the Gaeltacht Joe McHugh TD, “I welcome today’s very positive developments on the matter of non – Gaeltacht islands. There was a general agreement amongst my Department of the Gaeltacht and my colleague, Minister Alan Kelly TD, and his Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government that this funding was essential to the continued developments of these islands.

“Following these discussions, it was confirmed that funding will continue to the end of March 2015 and I am confident that an appropriate solution will be found in cooperation with my colleague Minister Kelly and that in the meantime, both Departments will examine ways of supporting the continuation of these vital island structures and services.

“I want to thank Deputy Noel Harrington for inviting me to Sherkin Island and Bere Island where I was able to witness firsthand the tremendous work that is ongoing and how critical the posts of the community development offices are to the islands. Minister Michael Ring has also extended an invitation to visit the islands off Mayo and I am looking forward to these visits.

“Both Departments fully understand the importance of these island community development offices on the non-Gaeltacht islands and we have agreed that we will work together to ensure that the services they provide are retained and supported by both Departments.”