Bere Island Project Group under threat due to lack of funding
The meeting heard that there is a real risk that the Bere Island Project Group could lose experienced and dedicated people. Picture: Dan Linehan
The Bere Island Project Group, which oversees community development projects on Bere Island, Whiddy Island and Dursey Island, is under threat due to a lack of funding, the recent meeting of Cork County Council’s West Cork Municipal District was told.
The issue was raised by councillor Danny Collins (II) in a motion that asked: “That Cork County Council write to the Minister of Rural, Community Development and the Gaeltacht Dara Calleary to increase its funding to Bere Island Project Group Limited.”
Mr Collins said that the group had not received anywhere near the level of increase in funding this year that had gone to other island development groups around the country.
He said that Cliara Development (Clare Island) in 2024 received €133,000, and this year received €152,000, a 23% increase. Inishturk received €117,000 in 2024 and this year received €152,000, a 28% increase.
Mr Collins said: “They are a great organisation. They cover Dursey and Whiddy Island as well. They had requested €226,552 and they got a lot less than they were hoping for.”
Mr Collins said that the funding had to pay for the costs of running the group including utilities, the office and insurance which amounted to €50,000, as well as the salaries of three full-time community development staff.
He said that the employees of the group kept their salaries much lower than other similar public service roles to enable them to use more of the funding for community projects.
He added: “There is a real risk that the Bere Island Project Group could lose these experienced and dedicated people.
It was agreed a letter will be drafted on behalf of the West Cork MD and sent to the Minister.
(This article is funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.)
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