Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State. I again emphasise how grateful I am that he is being so proactive on this matter and that the review is under way. With the acceleration of the roadmap the overall situation is evolving. I welcome that the OPW position is evolving alongside it. It is important to state on the record that safety and health considerations have to be to the fore in this matter. However, I ask the Minister of State to ensure every effort is made to ensure the health and safety recommendations and preconditions are factored into the economic need. It is hoped that a middle ground can be found such that the site can reopen safely. If this could be done, it would be a massive boost to the area. The area has already faced huge challenges in the past couple of difficult years and in the context of Brexit. This current challenge is a hammer blow to the area. If the site could be reopened, even for the August, September and October, it would be a boost to the entire economy of the area and, in particular, the people who are directly involved in enterprises directly related to the Skelligs. I again thank the Minister of State and I look forward to the outcome of the review. If it could be completed as speedily as possible it would be advantageous to everybody involved.

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