"Certainty" is needed as to when it will be safe to re-open up the Aran Islands, especially as the lack of clarity on the issue is causing "great distress" to islanders.
This is the view of Independent Galway West TD, Catherine Connolly, who has been receiving "urgent representations" from residents of the three Aran Islands on whether or not the islands will re-open sooner than mid-August.
'This is causing great distress to the islanders, particularly given the vulnerability of island living'
"From the beginning of the outbreak, the Government clearly set out that the islands would not reopen until Phase 5 on August 10," said Dep Connolly. "Given the recent changes by the Government, however, there is great uncertainty as to whether this remains the date."
Dep Connolly said this is causing "great distress to the islanders", particularly given the "vulnerability of island living and the profile of the population".
However, today from 2pm to 4pm, the impact of Covid-19 and the State’s response to it in Gaeltacht areas and the islands, is on the agenda for discussion by the Special Committee On Covid. Dep Connolly will attend the meeting to give "a voice to the islanders’ concerns" and to obtain "some certainty as to when it will be safe to open up the islands".
