Islands:Islanders have described as "unfair" the decision to hold general election voting up to three days before polling day in some offshore areas.
Just over 700 voters on six Donegal islands straddling two constituencies will have to vote on Monday, whereas Cork islands can vote with the rest of the State on Thursday, May 24th.
Mayo islanders vote on Tuesday, and Galway islanders on Wednesday - a situation that has been criticised by Comhdháil Oileáin na hÉireann, the Irish Islands Federation, given the radical improvement in transport links.
The Department of the Environment has said it would have "no problem" with all 3,000 island residents voting on May 24th, as there is provision under legislation to close polling stations early if weather deteriorates and affects transport.
However, it says the final decision was taken by individual returning officers.
Simon Murray, chair of Comhdháil Oileáin na hÉireann, said the authorities did not seem to have "adapted their situation to reality on the ground", where many islanders were served by two and three ferry runs on seven days of the week, as well as air links to some of the communities.
Even if weather did delay transport of ballot boxes ashore on the night of polling, the legislation could be amended to allow for delivery under Garda supervision the following morning, Mr Murray said.
"You take Donegal - a lot can happen in the last three days of an election, when they will already have been compelled to cast their votes," he said.
Brigid Garvey, manager of Tory Island co-operative in Donegal, said it was "crazy" that the electorate of 121 had to vote on Monday, when the ballot boxes were being transported by helicopter. "If Cork can let its islands vote with everyone else, why can't it be done here - particularly if they are being flown in and out," she said.
A spokeswoman for Cork South West said they had no difficulty with Bere, Cape Clear and Sherkin voting on May 24th, as it was "summertime".
The returning officer for Galway West and East, Marian Chambers Higgins, said her decision to opt for Wednesday for Inishbofin and the Aran Islands was to ensure ballot boxes could be returned on time, so the electorate would not be disenfranchised.
The island federation says it hopes a new government will maintain a dedicated senior minister for its sector, along with a departmental section.
The federation issued its message as Fianna Fáil's islands policy was outlined on the Aran island of Inis Meáin this week.
