Arranmore Island receives first beach accessible wheelchair

Árainn Mhór Island has taken an important step towards greater inclusivity with the introduction of a new beach access wheelchair. 

Until now, wheelchair users were unable to navigate the island’s sandy beaches or fully participate in coastal activities. The new all-terrain wheelchair will allow users to move across sand, access the island’s Blueway trails and enjoy Árainn Mhór’s spectacular coastal environment. 

Supported by the Fisheries Local Action Group (FLAG) North, it reflects the programme’s wider role in sustaining vibrant coastal and island communities by backing locally led initiatives that respond directly to community needs and enhance quality of life. The initiative was supported through a €20,000 grant under the FLAG North as part of the Coastal Communities Development Scheme. 

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The scheme is delivered through Ireland’s Seafood Development Programme and co-funded by the Irish Government and the EU under the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF). The project was led by Comharchumann Oileán Árainn Mhór, the island’s long-established community co-operative.

Welcoming the project, interim BIM CEO Richard Donnelly said: “This project shows how FLAG support, delivered by BIM, can make a practical and lasting difference in island communities. Improving accessibility ensures our coastal amenities can be enjoyed by everyone, while reinforcing the social and economic resilience of our islands.

“Supporting initiatives like this is central to BIM’s mission of enabling coastal communities to thrive. By investing in inclusive, community-driven projects, we are helping islands like Árainn Mhór remain great places to live, work and visit, now and into the future.”

In addition to the beach wheelchair, the funding has also supported the purchase of a sit-on lawnmower to help maintain public green spaces across the island, enhancing both residents’ quality of life and the visitor experience.

Co-op manager Nóirín Uí Mhaoldomhnaigh said the support reflects a shared commitment to inclusive and sustainable community development.

“Our beaches and public spaces are central to life on Árainn Mhór,” she said. “This investment allows more people to enjoy them and helps us care for the island environment in a way that benefits residents and visitors alike.”

Comharchumann Oileán Árainn Mhór has played a central role in community development since its establishment in 1976, delivering projects spanning cultural and language initiatives, tourism development and marine amenities. Its work aligns with the FLAG Local Development Strategy, which focuses on strengthening coastal communities through social inclusion, environmental stewardship and cultural enrichment.