Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 93 and 107 together.

The OPW's involvement with An Blascaod Mór goes back to 1988 with Ionad an Bhlascaoid being developed with assistance from the locally based voluntary group, Fondúireacht an Bhlascaoid. The centre was first officially opened to the public in April 1994. The centre plays a critical role in the cultural life of Dún Chaoin and is an important facility for the local community. It is also an important heritage visitor experience, operated by the OPW, which celebrates and interprets the extraordinary literary legacy of the Great Blasket.

In 2020, as Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform with responsibility for the Office of Public Works, I opened a new viewing platform at the Ionad site in Dún Chaoin, on the cliff top overlooking the Blasket Sound. This project was funded by Fáilte Ireland and the OPW. As part of the strategic programme of investment with Fáilte Ireland, Ionad an Bhlascaoid itself was upgraded and I was delighted to open the new world-class visitor experience in June 2022.

The OPW will shortly invite tenders for consultants to devise a new conservation management plan, to which the Deputy referred, to continue to guide the development and care of the island into the future. The plan will consider the elements of conservation, heritage protection, archaeology, transport planning, marine biology and environmental ecology.

With reference to the provision of public conveniences on the island, this is an ongoing challenge given the unique nature of the island. The OPW is currently investigating options for the provision of public toilets and has discussed this matter with the landowners. The OPW is preparing to seek quotes from suitably qualified professionals to assess the suitability of potential locations on the island for such facilities. Toilets were successfully provided on Sceilg Mhichíl for the first time earlier this year.

I note the Deputy's continued interest in improved landing facilities where boats could embark and disembark passengers directly to the island. The issue of improved landing facilities is under serious consideration. These facilities are an essential element in the sustainable management of the island from a heritage, tourism, safety in particular, and environmental perspective. While ferry services are confined to licensed vessels with specific tender permits, it is challenging to manage access to and from the islands during the allowed season.

Additional information not given on the floor of the House

Planning permission for a pier was previously granted in 2003, but Kerry County Council has advised it is necessary to secure fresh planning permission, given there have been significant changes in the designated status of the island and in environmental regulations in the period since the original permission was granted. This will necessitate updated environmental and other reports to support such an application as well as the preparation of a detailed updated design for the project. The OPW continues to engage with the relevant stakeholders to consider the key challenges in undertaking this project.

My most recent visit to the island was on 19 September, where I was accompanied by the Deputy, and I will continue to work with the local community to continue to protect the island and in supporting sustainable tourism to share the unique culture of the island with visitors.

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