2023-01-30

LEABGARROW - With islands across Europe having experienced years of population decline, many now face an uncertain future.

According to projections, swathes of rural Europe will continue to experience shrinking, ageing populations – none more so than island communities. Throughout the continent, governments and communities are trying to answer the same question: can island depopulation be reversed?

For a community to function, there must be enough people to fill roles in sectors such as education, transport, food provision – as well to provide general support and friendship. This makes maintaining a sufficient working age population one of the greatest risks to the wellbeing of islanders – and the future of many island communities.

If numbers dip below a certain level, there is a serious risk that some communities – or even entire islands – could be abandoned entirely. Complete abandonment is not unprecedented, and has occurred in many European islands.

While visitors may view islands as picturesque holiday destinations abound with natural beauty, for islanders, sustaining populations is not just favourable, but essential. For island depopulation to be reversed, crucial issues like transport links, housing, employment, and higher education shortages must be urgently addressed.

Photo by Angela Catlin

Team members

Jamie Mann

Jamie Mann is an investigative journalist and a director of The Ferret. 

Jamie Mann

Niall Sargent

Niall is an award-winning multimedia investigative reporter based in Dublin.

Niall Sargent

Daniela Sala

Daniela Sala is an Italian award-winning multimedia journalist.

Daniela Sala

Giacomo Zandonini

Giacomo Zandonini is a Rome-based freelance journalist.

Giacomo Zandonini

Angela Catlin

Angela Caitlin is a freelance photographer based in the UK.

Angela Catlin
Media

The Journal

The Journal is the largest native online news outlet in Ireland with 550,000+ average daily users, with a 50/50 gender split.

The Journal

The Ferret

The Ferret is an award-winning investigative journalism platform for Scotland and beyond.

The Ferret
Supported
€16,000 allocated on 28/07/2022
ID
CBL/2022/002
Grant
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