Islands off the Galway coast have been granted over £600,000 in State funds for roadworks, water schemes and pier improvements.
The subvention will contribute to the islands' economic and social viability, according to the Minister of State for Arts, Heritage, the Gaeltacht and the Islands, Mr Eamon O Cuiv.
The infrastructural improvements have been approved for the three Aran islands of Inis Mor, Inis Meain and Inis Oirr and for Inishbofin, Inis Tra Mhor and Omey Island. Further steps to streamline transport links between the islands and mainland were taken earlier by the Minister of State, when his Department advertised for a year-round ferry service for Tory Island, Co Donegal.
The current Tory operation has been taken over from Udaras na Gaeltachta, as part of the Minister's policy of providing a single-agency transport service for all the islands and extending it throughout the year. Last January improved year-round services for the Cork islands of Bere, Sherkin and Whiddy were also initiated by his Department.
A proposal to construct a cable car and overhead cable linking Achill Island to Inishbiggle is also proceeding, under the auspices of Mayo County Council, and a Government grant of £1.45 million has already been earmarked for the project.
The Minister of State has reaffirmed his commitment to providing air links for Inishbofin, Inishturk and Clare Island off the Galway and Mayo coasts. Permission for an airstrip at Clifden, which was approved by Galway County Council, has been appealed to An Bord Pleanala.