Madam, - Brian O'Connell's article on people returning to live on the Aran Islands (Features, April 28th) captured the attractions of island life - the beauty, the peace, the freedom for children and the sense of community.
Indeed, most islanders will agree that improved access via ferry and aeroplane over the past eight years or so has made island life more viable and attractive. Many of the positive changes mentioned are the result of the work of the island co-ops and development companies, supported by the Islands Division of the Department of Community, Rural and Community Affairs.
While there is some anecdoctal evidence that populations have stabilised on some of the islands, we have some way to go before our members feel the future of our islands is secure. Making islands viable places to live and work, particularly for people with young families like those interviewed, means ensuring that there are adequate educational, childcare, housing, employment and social facilities. We are optimistic about the future, but realistic about the challenges, particularly those facing islands with fewer than 200 people, for whom the arrival of even one young family, or the departure of another, can have an important impact.
Finally, of the "six islands with the largest populations" listed in a panel with the article, only Inis Mór in Galway and Árainn Mhóir in Donegal have no bridge or causeway to the mainland. Our members represent the 33 offshore islands with permanent populations and without connection by road or bridge to the mainland, with populations ranging from one person to under 831, and with a combined population of just over 3,000 people. - Yours, etc,
MAJELLA NÍ CHRÍOCHÁIN, Manager, Comhdháil Oileáin na hÉireann/Irish Islands Federation, Inis Oírr, Co na Gaillimhe.