Islanders accused of apartheid over residency stipulations

Islanders on Inishbofin have been accused of engaging in ‘apartheid’ against people who have taken up residence there within the past decade – by prohibiting them from becoming members of the local development company.

A directive was issued to residents of Inishbofin last month informing them that they could not become members of the local development company unless they were born on the island, or had lived there for a minimum of ten consecutive years and had spent at least 300 nights on ‘Bofin for each of those ten years.

The Inishbofin Development Company receives State funding to provide community facilities and employ a project coordinator. It runs the annual island festival, the local community centre and the crèche, as well as occasionally organising education courses for the community.

However, a circular issued to islanders and seen by the Connacht Tribune regarding membership of the Inishbofin Development Company has caused a ruckus amongst those who have been resident there for less than a decade and still want to get involved in local activities.

“It is a typical case of anti-blow in”, declared Connemara Cllr Seosamh Ó Cuaig. “It makes absolutely no sense and basically tells those who haven’t been living on the island for more than ten years that they are not wanted. This is unacceptable”.

Cllr Ó Cuaig said that there was a portrayal of an “us and them situation” when it came to recent residents on the island who wanted to get involved in community activities on ‘Bofin.

Efforts by The Connacht Tribune to contact the island manager, Simon Murray, yesterday proved unsuccessful.

See full story in this week’s Connacht Tribune.