Sir, – Reading your news report on the announcement by Minister for Rural Development Heather Humphreys of her “new national islands plan”, containing 80 commitments, one would think that we islanders live in an ideal and socially protected environment (News, June 7th).
We operate a design and manufacturing business exporting to the best stores in the world and are probably the biggest full-time employer in any offshore island in Ireland. Proper access and communications are critical for us.
Despite continuing pleading and lobbying to the Department of Rural and Community Development, we have failed to get any reply regarding plans to complete phase three of a new safe harbour here on Inis Meáin which was left incomplete over 12 years ago.
Safe access is only available there for the passenger ferry which operates a reliable and safe service in all but most extreme weather. Meanwhile the cargo ferry cannot access it since it is incomplete. Cargo is loaded and unloaded at the old pier, scene of several accidents, two of which were fatal. We are told a new report is in preparation since 2018!
Good broadband is essential for our business, and it is still only available to us here by mobile phone connection. We were obliged to arrange a signal through a private operator five years ago. But it costs us €600 per month. If we were operating in Galway or Dublin, we would have a good broadband connection for a fraction of this amount.
From our perspective, this 80-point plan looks like an exercise in island washing. – Yours, etc,
TARLACH de BLÁCAM,
Cniotáil Inis Meáin,
Inis Meáin,
Árainn,
Cuan na Gaillimhe.