Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 617: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position in relation to Government plans to purchase the Great Blasket Island; the exact cultural importance of the island; his plans to develop the island as a cultural centre or to maximise its cultural significance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28315/05]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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On 6 July 2005, the Government approved the early purchase of the majority of land interests on An Blascaod Mór for €1.7 million to be provided from within the existing heritage capital allocation of my Department. The Office of Public Works is currently engaged in ongoing negotiations for this purpose and it is expected these will be completed in 2006. The future promotion and management of the island will also be a matter for the OPW.

The cultural importance of An Blascaod Mór is well acknowledged and has been reaffirmed in a number of reports and documents and plans. These identify the Irish language, the richness of the Island's folk culture, the unique tradition of islanders writing about their lives in their native language while still living there, and the many books published about the island, the islanders, their literary achievements and their lifestyle as contributing to its overall cultural significance. The island has also made a significant impact on Ireland's cultural heritage, and the islanders' published works are of great anthropological value.

In addition to its unique importance as a repository of a distinctive cultural tradition, An Blascaod Mór is a maritime habitat of international importance and contains important built heritage remains of historical, cultural and archaeological value. The continued use of the island for agriculture, for research and as a visitor attraction will be supported, subject to the requirements of conserving the island's unique character for future generations.

The future plans for the island include the conservation of the island's built and natural heritage as the physical manifestation of a distinctive cultural and literacy legacy and habitat of international importance, in line with best international practice in conservation; the promotion of access to, and awareness of, the island's national and international cultural significance; the assurance that adequate facilities are in place on the island to cater for the reasonable expectations of visitors having regard to health and safety considerations, in the context of the difficult terrain and sensitive environment of the island; the maintenance of the island as a living entity, bound to the mainland community of Dún Chaoin.