While Italy saves villages and offers to buy houses there for 1 euro, Ireland wants to revive life on the islands—the country will pay a grant of €84,000 to move there. Foreigners can also participate.

The “Our Living Islands” program was launched last week by Minister for Rural and Community Development Heather Humphreys. She announced this ambitious national policy, which includes an action plan for the period 2023–2026.

In addition to financial assistance, participants in the program can expect:

  • improved access to health care;
  • provision of a reliable Internet connection so that it is convenient to both study and work remotely;
  • access to outdoor activities such as biking and swimming;
  • opportunity to do internships on the islands for future employment opportunities;
  • access to proper infrastructure (which includes roads, piers, and playgrounds).

Launching the policy, Secretary Humphreys said:

“As a result of this policy, we will see more people living and working on our islands with good career prospects, no matter where their employer is located. We will see islands contributing to and benefiting from the transition to a low-carbon economy and a climate-neutral society. And we will see our island communities, and especially our young people, play an active role in shaping the future of their islands.”

On the same day, the minister approved €1.9 million in capital funding for five local governments—as part of the first tranche of small-scale capital works for island infrastructure projects across the country.