The Irish Islands Federation, Comhdháil Oileáin na hÉireann, is carrying out an online survey in conjunction with a research team from UCC and Comhar na Oileán CTR to determine the level of housing needs of the offshore islands. The purpose of the study is to ascertain the inventory of offshore island housing in addition to housing needs of islands among current island residents and those presently lacking suitable housing options.
The need for the survey was identified as part of Comhdháil’s strategy work. Housing arose as one of the main challenges islands are facing in the community consultation that was carried out to inform the new national Islands Policy as well as in forums held to discuss the future of Irish and European islands. Acting Chair of Comhdháil Oileáin na hÉireann, Máirtín O Méalóid, sees the lack of suitable, affordable housing on offshore islands as the major block to the ultimate sustainability of Ireland’s islands.
“We selected housing as one of the main themes in our strategy as it’s crucial to the sustainability of island communities,” states Comhdháil board member John Walsh. “All offshore islands have their own characteristics and challenges, but housing is something that we all struggle with one way or another.”
Comhdháil Oileáin na hÉireann will use the results to identify challenges and possible solutions, and use them in communication with different local, regional, and national stakeholders. The survey is for everyone currently living on an island, owning a property on an offshore island, or thinking about moving to an island.
“Even though we have an idea what the needs are, it’s important for us to have quantitative, representative data so that we can work towards solutions and communicate more effectively,” says Comhdháil secretary Rhoda Twombly. “We also want to capture views of people who would like to move to an island: we know anecdotally that there’s latent demand there but it’s always better to have numbers to back up solutions.”
The housing crisis in Ireland and the increase in remote working opportunities creates both opportunities and challenges for rural communities. Islands are also popular tourist destinations which tends to heat up the holiday home markets and increase the property prices. But how big is the housing crisis on offshore islands? That’s what the study intends to find out.
The survey is open until 13th of November on: https://cacsss.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eQdwLjB1n7zvbD0?fbclid=IwAR37gsFA0VMZn_orzlcgIZVHAmQppywSLNEYpVXqqf9ATuwD_PxuJLRWqwg