| Abstract |
Our project, "Would People Move to an Island if it had the Necessities?", explores the exciting possibility of resettling individuals to uninhabited islands off the Irish coast as a solution to the housing crisis affecting over 13,000 unhoused individuals in Ireland.
By utilising random sampling, public data, and insights from the Central Statistics Office, we gathered valuable information on participants' attitudes toward island living. Our surveys, completed by over 300 diverse respondents, revealed that 64% said they are willing/ somewhat willing to relocate on the islands and 64.7% considered sustainability a key factor in their relocation decisions We engaged with policymakers, including Minister Heather Humphreys, to gain insights into initiatives like "Our Living Islands," which align with our research goals.
Our findings highlighted the potential of approximately 60 uninhabited islands to accommodate an estimated 34,500 people (about twice the seating capacity of Croke Park) presenting a unique opportunity to address homelessness and the housing crisis while promoting sustainable living through renewable energy sources. While there are practical challenges, such as infrastructure, the willingness among the public to consider island relocation is encouraging. Our research underscores the potential of these islands as viable housing solutions. By advocating for eco-friendly practices and wildlife conservation, we propose a holistic approach to tackle Ireland's housing crisis while fostering environmental awareness. We believe that our findings can inspire positive discussions and policy changes aimed at alleviating the housing challenges facing Ireland, paving the way for innovative living solutions that benefit both people and the planet.
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