West Cork islanders fear for the future of young people on the islands amid uncertainty surrounding housing availability and affordability.
That's the finding of a survey which forms part of a new report published by researchers at UCC, which reveals that the housing situation on the West Cork islands mirrors the nationwide accommodation crisis.
In relation to affordability, 77% of respondents highlighted the cost of houses for sale on the islands, with participants noting that the offspring of existing residents were often unable to afford housing on the islands.
68% said they faced difficulties with carrying out maintenance of their homes, due to costs and availability of labour, and 65% had difficulties keeping their houses warm.
The Government is being urged to channel direct investment into innovative housing policies as Islanders fear that the lack of homes could further drive depopulation on the islands.
Census figures show that Bere Island, the most populated of the seven islands off the West Cork coast, lost 22.7% of its population over five years up to 2016.
