Islanders sail across the border for meeting

[Rathlin Info]

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[Rathlin Info]

RATHLIN ISLAND HOST TO IRISH ISLANDS FEDERATION EVENT
Islanders from around Ireland are meeting on Rathlin this weekend (14th and 15th May) for the AGM of Cómhdháil Oileáin na hÉireann – the Irish Islands Federation. This is the first time that the Federation has held its AGM North of the border. The weekend will include seminars on the overall theme of co-operation with and between Governments and national and local agencies as the future to sustainability.

This comes after the recent endorsement by the Northern Ireland Executive of a Rathlin Policy that signals an innovative commitment to joined-up work between the Rathlin community, senior officials from relevant Government Departments and Local Bodies.

In supporting the development of a vibrant, healthy community on Rathlin Island, the Executive acknowledges the need for the development of policies different from those applying on the mainland, in recognition of the unique circumstances of Rathlin Island and the challenges of Island life.

The Rathlin Policy and its action plan will be presented by Alison McQueen from the Northern Ireland Department for Regional Development. The Department of Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs will be represented by Seamus Mac Giolla Choil and Aodhán Mac Cormaic.

The special circumstances and challenges of all Island life will also be addressed in presentations on the Cork Islands Inter-Agency Strategy, and on sustainable energy projects on Rathlin and the Aran Islands.

The Small Ferries Project, a co-operative programme between the Irish, Northern Ireland and Scottish Governments to bring into service a fleet of small ferries to serve remote communities off the Scottish and Irish coastlines, will also give a presentation at the event.

“The organisation and funding for the AGM and seminar has been a fine example of cross-border cooperation and we hope it will lead to more such projects in the future,” said Rhoda Twombly, secretary to the Irish Islands Federation.

Cómhdháil Oileáin na hÉireann was founded in 1984 when 16 islands came together to highlight difficulties of socio-economic development facing islanders, problems they felt were not being addressed on either local or national levels.

It now represents 33 islands around the entire coast of Ireland, with populations from just one to 824, and with an entire population of approximately 3,000.

With local food, plenty of music, a ceilidh in the Rathlin Bar and the launch of an art exhibition called ‘Celebrating Celtic Coastal Culture’ in the Manor House, the weekend promises to be an informative and enjoyable gathering for representatives of the communities around the Irish coastline.