Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 92: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on Government plans to purchase the Great Blasket Island; if he has been involved in the planning for the island; the significance of the island; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30679/05]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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To secure and promote the important cultural, archaeological, built and natural heritage of An Blascaod Mór, the Government approved in July 2005 the early purchase of the majority of land interests on the island for €1.7 million, to be provided from within the existing heritage capital allocation of my Department. The Office of Public Works is engaged in ongoing negotiations for this purpose and it is expected these will be completed in 2006. The Office of Public Works has primary responsibility for the purchase negotiations and the further management of this project.