Runavíkar Municipality addresses housing concerns following Oyndarfjørður merger in Faroe Islands

On January 1, 2005, Oyndarfjørður became part of the Runavíkar Municipality. This change coincided with the inclusion of Elduvík and Skála municipalities, and four years later, the addition of Funning municipality made Runavíkar the fifth largest municipality in the Faroe Islands. The area now spans a considerable width, stretching approximately 33 kilometers from Funning to Æðuvík.

Oyndarfjørður, which became an independent municipality in 1918, faced the dilemma of merging with either Runavíkar or Fuglafjørður municipalities. While Fuglafjørður was nearby, the choice ultimately favored Runavíkar, and Oyndarfjørður ceased to exist as an independent municipality.

Ólavur Klein Olsen, a local who moved away in 2003 and returned in 2017, observed significant changes over the 14 years he was away, although he noted some persistent issues. Particularly concerning him are the limited housing opportunities, as no plots have been sold in Oyndarfjørður for nearly 20 years.

Despite the benefits of merging with a larger municipality, the demographic trend in many small communities, including Oyndarfjørður, has been negative. Ólavur highlighted the absence of available land, criticizing the municipality’s slow progress compared to others that actively seek to attract new residents.

A recent survey revealed that residents of Runavíkar Municipality are dissatisfied with housing options. Mayor Tórbjørn Jacobsen acknowledged the struggle to find land for development but indicated discussions with the Agricultural Agency concerning potential land purchases in various villages, including Oyndarfjørður.

Overall, with 4,400 residents, Runavíkar Municipality encompasses 15 villages and has established local committees to ensure voices from smaller areas are heard in municipal governance. However, the need for improved housing and opportunities remains pressing.