Island Communities
Dail Éireann — 2024-05-09
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Heather Humphreys (FG), Cavan-Monaghan

I understand people's frustration. I have pushed this on as much as I possibly can. I am absolutely committed to supporting our islands. I will get an update on Caladh Mór for the Deputy. There will be a question about the matter later. Progress is definitely being made on Inis Oírr and Inis Meáin. I have been out there and am aware of the need for investment in the piers.
Roads were a big issue initially. I think I have managed to make good progress on the roads. Remote working has been a game-changer for some of the islands. For example, on Clare Island, they are doing great work in the context of ehealth. I was in Chicago for St. Patrick's Day and I visited the Cisco headquarters there. I met a fellow from Clare Island and he was talking about all the great things they are doing there with regard to high-speed broadband and ehealth. Islands can embrace new technology.
On Deputy Ó Laoghaire's question, we engage with the Minister for the Gaeltacht and the Department regarding the importance of the Irish language on our islands and the need to support it. I did not see the question, but I will have a look at it again. I may be able to get the Deputy a written response.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/dail/2024-05-09/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-14T04:52:56+00:00
Sitting date: 2024-05-09