EU Green Capital Valencia will host 2024 edition of European Urban Resilience Forum
Crucial aspects of resilience, sustainable development and recovery will be under the thematic spotlight
The government’s new Living Islands Policy wants to reinvigorate offshore communities
Yesterday, the Irish government launched the first island development policy in the last 27 years. The so-called ‘Living Islands Policy’ calls for massive investment in infrastructure to ultimately convince more people to move to Ireland’s offshore islands. The policy will affect 80 communities on 23 inhabited islands, with a current population of around 2,700 people.
Additionally, the authorities have also increased the grant size for people who aim to become islanders – specifically in cases where newcomers want to restore a vacant or dilapidated house. The maximum grant for vacant properties is 60,000 euros, while a derelict property can land new owners up to 84,000, under the Croí Cónaithe policy.
This, according to an official statement, is because construction on these far-flung territories with underdeveloped infrastructure can be quite a bit more expensive than on the mainland. Moreover, the core of the Living Islands Policy is to invest in infrastructure, with roads, broadband and healthcare solutions for inhabitants.
The Croí Cónaithe policy is a 2022 funding scheme from the Irish government aimed at making it easier to refurbish old and derelict housing. Under the scheme, new owners are eligible to receive a grant for the costs of redevelopment. It applies to properties in mainland Ireland as well as the islands, with the notable difference that funding ceilings on the islands are 20% higher.
The funding is handed out by local authorities which require both proof of vacancy and ownership, and the properties in question must be the primary residences of future owners. Additionally, a would-be owner may receive approval on grants during purchase negotiations, however, the funds will not be transferred until the purchase is complete.
To learn more about the scheme, including how to apply, visit Ireland's official government website.
Since the last island strategy in Ireland, 27 years ago, the population of these areas has dropped by around 13% to 2,700 people. During the policy’s development, the government consulted with communities themselves and zeroed in on issues like housing, broadband, mobility, energy and water independence and access to healthcare.
Consequently, the plan calls for funding of broadband connections for schools and digital hubs, where locals can have access to a wider variety of job opportunities done online.
Moreover, the plan calls for deploying so-called E-Health Pods – an automated healthcare booth where people can do health check-ups, although authorities have yet to announce more on that part of the plan.
The bulk of the finding for island communities will come through local authorities and according to Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys, the first round of 1.9 million will mainly be focused on 5 local authorities – Sligo, Donegal, Mayo, Galway and Cork.
The plan has two tiers, one of which is supposed to activate during the next three years, aimed at more immediate issues, plus a long-term funding scheme for the next decade. According to Minister Humphreys, the Living Islands Plan seeks to boost communities so that they have a bright and sustainable future.
The city was concerned about street noise and disturbances to residents
This, however, is likely to change soon
Crucial aspects of resilience, sustainable development and recovery will be under the thematic spotlight
This is city twinning for the 21st century
You can find it in the capital Sofia, where it was installed upon the initiative of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences
People in both cities got to sit together both in person and virtually
The city was concerned about street noise and disturbances to residents
And the current administration plans to make Jardin del Turia Europe’s largest city green space by extending it to the sea
The aim is to have the public be able to admire the architectural design without distractions
The installation has been thought out with the concept of letting people “talk” to their dearly departed
It’s an urban space that has undergone several large-scale transformations throughout its existence
A US geologist claims to have solved the centuries-old mystery
Urban dwellers across the EU are having a say in making their surroundings friendlier to people and the environment.
Forests in the EU can help green the European construction industry and bolster a continent-wide push for architectural improvements.
Apply by 10 November and do your part for the transformation of European public spaces
Catch up with some recommendations for the 2024 European Capital of Culture programme from the mayor of Tartu
An interview with the ICLEI regional director for Europe аfter the close of COP28
An interview with a member of the No Hate Speech Network team