Nearly 5,700 individuals have inquired with a government department regarding a perceived €80,000 reward for resettling on Irish islands. The initiative, named ‘Our Living Islands,’ has gained traction through viral social media posts suggesting a new lifestyle supported by government funding.
However, this scheme is not designed for immigration or resettlement. Interested individuals must already have residency entitlements and be prepared to relocate permanently to one of approximately thirty islands, which are reachable only at low tide and have a stable year-round population.
The Department of Rural and Community Development recorded a total of 5,677 queries about the initiative, primarily from abroad. Most inquiries occurred in the years 2023 and 2024, with 22 received in October from individuals in countries like Spain, Senegal, Syria, and Madagascar. In July 2023 alone, there were 73 queries, with about a third coming from Ethiopia.
Since the launch of the scheme in summer 2023, the number of inquiries has seen a decrease, yet misinformation continues to spread online. Recent social media posts inaccurately claim that “Ireland will pay you €84,000 to move to a remote island.” The department has responded by publishing an FAQ document and referring inquiries to the appropriate official government site.
- Why it matters: The misunderstanding surrounding the scheme highlights the importance of clear communication from government bodies, especially regarding residency and immigration issues.
- The latest: The volume of inquiries has decreased significantly, but the department is still addressing ongoing misinformation online.
Source: https://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/government-receives-5700-queries-after-misleading-viral-posts-about-grant-to-move-to-islands-1836649.html
Source: https://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/government-receives-5700-queries-after-misleading-viral-posts-about-grant-to-move-to-islands-1836649.html