Our Living Islands is a plan to get people to live on the periphery of Europe in Ireland’s islands.
In the summer of 2023, a unique initiative called Our Living Islands captured global attention. Major news outlets like Forbes reported on Ireland’s pretty islands. The Irish government were offering new residents up to €84,000 to restore a house and bring life back to a windswept and interesting part of the world.
However, despite the initial buzz, recent figures from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage indicate that the response has been more tempered than anticipated.
Since its launch in June 2023, only 29 applications have been received for the Our Living Islands initiative, which offers substantial grants to those looking to renovate properties on the islands. Of these, 20 applications have been approved, signalling a modest yet steady increase in new residents rather than a sudden influx.
Our Living Islands: A Closer Look at the Scheme
The grant is part of the Croí Cónaithe scheme, designed to support property renovations on 23 designated islands, including Arranmore, Bere Island, Inishbofin, Heir Island, and Clare Island. The program, set to run until 2033, mandates that applicants use the renovated property as their primary residence, not for holiday rentals.
Regional interest shows Donegal leading the way with 11 applications, followed by Cork (10), Galway (4), Mayo (2), and Sligo (2). These numbers reflect not just a desire to live amidst stunning natural beauty but also an appreciation for tight-knit community living.
Stories on Arranmore
Arranmore gained a head start back in 2019 with its digital hub campaign aimed at attracting digital nomads.
This attracted solid interest, but once these nomads delved into the details, reality set in.
Moving anywhere new involves a lot of planning and administration, and then there is the isolations of the islands, which didn’t always outweigh the stunning beauty of the surrounds.
Our Living Islands: Navigating the Challenges
While the Living Islands scheme presents a golden opportunity, it comes with its own set of complexities. Applicants must prove ownership of the house and undertake renovations, adding layers of bureaucracy beyond the initial application.
Despite these hurdles, the charm and lifestyle offered by Ireland’s offshore islands continue to attract those seeking a slower pace of life coupled with breathtaking scenery and a strong sense of community.
For those considering a move, the promise of financial support, combined with the allure of island living, remains a compelling proposition.
So, if you’ve ever dreamed of waking up to the sound of waves crashing against rugged cliffs or sharing stories with neighbors under a canopy of stars, now might be the perfect time to find an island and fill in a form or two!
