Community development projects for West Cork islands under threat

The Bere Island Project Group, which oversees community development projects on Bere Island, Whiddy Island, and Dursey Island, is under threat due to a lack of funding, the recent meeting of Cork County Council’s West Cork Municipal District was told.

The issue was raised by Independent councillor Danny Collins in a motion that asked: “That Cork County Council write to the Minister of Rural, Community Development and the Gaeltacht Dara Calleary to increase its funding to the Bere Island Project Group Limited.”

Mr Collins said that the group had not received anywhere near the level of increase in funding this year that had gone to other island development groups around the country.

He said that Cliara Development (Clare Island) in 2024 received €133,000, and this year received €152,000, a 23% increase. Inishturk received €117,000 in 2024 and this year received €152,000, a 28% increase. Inishboffin was awarded €134,000 in 2024 and this year €152,000, a 16% increase.

Bere Island received €173,000 in 2024 and in 2025 the total was €177,000, an increase of 2.1%.

Great organisation

Mr Collins said: “They are a great organisation, they cover Dursey and Whiddy Island as well. They had requested €226,552 and they got a lot less than they were hoping for.”

Mr Collins said that the funding had to pay for the costs of running the group including utilities, the office and insurance which amounted to €50,000 as well as the salaries of three full-time community development staff.

Mr Collins added: “There is a real risk that the Bere Island Project Group could lose these experienced and dedicated people. Other islands have one or two full-time officers, Bere Island covers Whiddy and Dursey Islands as well and has three officers. All they are asking for is parity with the other islands so I’m asking that we write to the minister and request this.”

It was agreed a letter will be drafted on behalf of the West Cork MD and sent to the Minister.

This article is funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.