The Connemara island of Inishbofin is at risk of "being washed away, literally" unless vital coastal protection works are carried out, according to Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs Éamon Ó Cuív.
Mr Ó Cuív was speaking on the island yesterday, where he inspected the southern shore, the area most at risk. His department has allocated €3.9 million to Galway County Council for remedial works, with an additional €0.5 million being provided by the local authority.
Some seven houses will benefit from the engineering work, according to Pat Coyne, a resident on the island's south side. Mr Coyne's house and that of a neighbour are within 12 metres (40ft) of the sea, and their road has been closed off to all vehicular traffic for safety reasons.
"The house was built at the turn of the century, I inherited it from my mother, and I have seen the recessing with my own eyes," Mr Coyne told The Irish Times.
"The road loops around the island, but now it is not possible to do that anymore." Over the Christmas, the cliff area in front of one of two navigation towers collapsed into the Atlantic, he said. "We had two falls within three days, because of the strength of the winds and waves," said Mr Coyne.
The work involves construction of a sea wall at the south-facing shore, dredging of the inner harbour, construction of a new slipway and installation of reinforced concrete slabbing on the old pier. It is expected that the project will be completed this year.
The Minister also announced that work on the long-anticipated airstrip on the island would start in earnest, with the arrival of drilling equipment. Although two deadlines for the airstrip have passed since the contract was awarded, Mr Ó Cuív hopes that flights will start next year.
Islanders are in two minds on the benefits of the airstrip, which will provide a link to Cleggan. Mr Ó Cuív said his department is "currently working in close co-operation with the Clifden Airport Company".