Christopher O'Sullivan (Cork South West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Tánaiste. Since he mentioned other Departments and agencies, there is a great opportunity for the Bere Island community to transform the Lonehort Battery into a world-class visitor attraction to attract people to the island. I am not sure whether the Department of Defence is directly involved in this type of activity with regard to tourist attractions but perhaps something like a long-term lease with Cork County Council could be arranged that would allow access to funding to make it a world-class visitor attraction. I am thinking of places such as Spike Island and Charles Fort in Kinsale. There is potential.

I visited the island and although my next point is certainly not in the remit of the Minister, I will bring it up during my speaking time. Islanders depend on access by boat and having proper pier and slipway infrastructure. The piers and slipways on Bere Island badly need upgrading and improvement. It can only be accessed by ferry. This is a very important point to bring up in Cabinet discussions with relevant Ministers. I hope this is something that can be raised with them.

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