Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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93. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the up-to-date position on the provision of a safer landing facility at An Blascaod Mór; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48253/22]

Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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107. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the position on the preparation of a conservation plan for An Blascaod Mór and the provision of public conveniences at the same location; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48254/22]

Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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This is about An Blascaod Mór. I thank the Minister of State, Deputy O'Donovan, for visiting An Blascaod Mór in recent weeks. True to the Minister of State's word, when I raised it in the House earlier in the year, he said he would visit. I want to ask about the future of the landing facility, if a safer one can be put in place, and if there is any progress on that. Perhaps the Minister of State could update the House on the need for public conveniences for the island and on a conservation and heritage plan.

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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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.

Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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Fáiltím roimh an nuacht seo. Bheadh sé an-tábhachtach cé níos sábháilte a chur in áit do gach aon duine, ach go háirithe na daoine atá ag tabhairt cuairte ar an oileán.

Chomh maith leis sin, as the Minister of State will know, on the island there are also concerns about conservation issues and, particularly, visitors to the island who, whether unwittingly or not, disturb the seal population. I ask that signage be erected at the point of entry to the island, at the quay, in order that people would be aware that the seals are protected and that they should not come too close to them or interfere with them. Perhaps some engagement could take place also with the ferrymen and ferrywomen and the ferry providers to inform visitors before they come to the island of what is expected and what is appropriate behaviour when they visit the island.

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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As for the seals on the beach, which Deputy Griffin and I saw with the OPW when we were there, the OPW has a plan to improve the signage and to erect appropriate signage on the island ahead of the 2023 visitor season on foot of the requests made on the day we were there. The OPW has been in dialogue with the National Parks and Wildlife Service to make sure that this is done properly. As well as that, there will be a co-ordinated level of consultation and dialogue with the operators of the ferries, as the Deputy suggested.

As for the query about the landings on the island, aontaím leis an Teachta maidir le cúrsaí slándála ar an oileán. Cuireann sé isteach go mór orm, and I was very concerned when I was down there, to see that we are still landing people on an island of such global significance in the manner in which we are doing so. The risk is very high, and I have asked my officials to address it accordingly with Kerry County Council.