The construction of a new helipad on Inishturk, Co Mayo, is set to move forward with new investment.

Funding of over €357,000 was announced for the project by the Department of Rural and Community Development.

This helipad in Clewbay will provide a vital resource for the Irish coastguard to access the island in an emergency.

The funding announced today will cover up to 90% of the cost of the project with Mayo County Council providing the balance.

Announcing the funding for the Helipad on Inishturk, today, Minister Humphreys said: "I'm delighted that my Department is able to support this essential project on Inishturk, which has been in development for quite some time.

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"This helipad will be a vital resource to the Irish Coastguard, providing them with a safe place to land on the island itself.

"Making our islands more sustainable is a key priority of mine as Minister. I am very pleased to have delivered significant investment in our offshore islands as part of the roll-out of our rural development strategy, 'Our Rural Future'.

"I have no doubt that this particular funding will come as welcome news for Inishturk and I want to also commend the Irish Coast Guard for the vital work they do."

This represents the latest major investment by Minister Humphreys in our offshore islands.

The Minister recently announced an air service contract worth €4.9 million for the Aran Islands and over €2 million in funding for road projects on the islands off Donegal.