Breeda Moynihan-Cronin (Kerry South, Labour)
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Question 118: To ask the Minister for Finance the amount of money expended by his Department to date in 2005 on the State purchase of the Great Blasket Island and associated works; the amount of money expended by his Department to date in 2005 on the buy-out of property holdings on the island; the amount of money expended by his Department to date in 2005 on the implementation of the management plan for the island; the amount of money set aside for the future implementation of the remaining recommendations of the management plan for the island; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37335/05]

Tom Parlon (Laois-Offaly, Progressive Democrats)
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The process for the purchase of lands on the Great Blasket Island has not yet been concluded and no expenditure has been incurred on it to date. To date a total of €0.641 million has been spent on aspects of the management plan for the island in addition to costs of approximately €70,000 incurred on the forum process.

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin (Kerry South, Labour)
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Question 119: To ask the Minister for Finance if, in the case of the State purchase and development of the Great Blasket Island and certain projects (details supplied), such projects were put out to tender; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37338/05]

Tom Parlon (Laois-Offaly, Progressive Democrats)
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The Great Blasket Island management plan sets out the proposals for the future of the island and covers the full range of issues involved, including those referred to by the Deputy.

I understand that expressions of interest have been sought from contractors interested in tendering for construction of a new pier on the island and upgrading of the existing pier at Dún Chaoin. These works will be funded by the Department for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs.

The proposed commercial development on the island, while addressed in the management plan, is not a matter for the State but rather a private concern. I will arrange for a copy of the management plan to be sent to the Deputy.