Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

20. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the up-to-date position regarding the provision of a site for a community playground in an area (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2552/22]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The OPW’s involvement with An Blascaod Mór goes back to 1988 with Ionad an Bhlascaoid, (the Blasket Centre) being developed with assistance from the locally based voluntary group, Fondúíreacht an Bhlascaoid in 1992-3. The Visitor Centre was officially opened in April 1994.

The Visitor Centre site on the mainland at Dún Chaoin supports and animates the OPW’s operations on the Great Blasket Island.

To enhance the visitor offering on the mainland, in 2020 we constructed a striking Viewing Platform on a clifftop site overlooking the Blasket Sound, which I had the pleasure of opening in July 2020.

A major project is currently underway to refurbish Ionad an Bhlascaoid and install a reimagined exhibition which will deliver a world-class visitor attraction in Dún Chaoin. This project is at an advanced stage and is due for completion in Spring 2022. It is expected to be transformative for tourism in the locality.

The Viewing Platform and the upgrades to the Visitor Centre are part of a major programme of investment of circa €2.6m in the Blaskets by the strategic partnership of Fáilte Ireland, the OPW and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

Since the inception of Ionad an Bhlascaoid at Dun Chaoin, the OPW has been highly engaged with the local community and Fondúireacht an Bhlascaoid in seeking to meet the cultural and social needs of the community.

The OPW’s role is to preserve and animate our national archaeological, natural and cultural heritage through compelling visitor experiences. The lands at Ionad an Bhlascaoid were acquired for the construction of the Ionad and are maintained by the State for the purpose of conserving and presenting the unique natural, literary and cultural legacy of the Blasket Islands.

Playground Development

In the latter part of 2020, the OPW was approached by Comharchumann Dhún Chaoin regarding the possibility of the OPW providing lands at the site of Ionad an Bhlascaoid for the purposes of a community playground.

The OPW management team assessed the proposal holistically and considered multiple issues about capacity, best practices in heritage presentation and the long-term objectives of the site. It was decided that any solution must address these concerns while meeting the needs of the local community.

Last September I had a really positive meeting with the Comharchumann, at which the OPW made an offer in principle of a site to be leased for a playground for the community in Dún Chaoin.

A location adjacent to the Ionad on OPW lands, but not on the immediate footprint of the Ionad site, has been provisionally identified. I can confirm that the site has been assessed by both Comharchumann Dhun Chaoin and Kerry County Council, and I was assured that this site is acceptable to both.

Following the offer in principle of a lease on the relevant lands, the Comharchumann is engaging now with Kerry County Council to secure their support and assistance in the design and development of the playground facility. The next step is for a detailed proposal for design and layout of the playground to be developed and agreed with all stakeholders. Thereafter, this proposal must be submitted for planning permission through the normal process.

Any lease for the purposes of a playground will be entered into when planning permission is secured. The OPW is happy to provide a letter setting out the availability of the site subject to lease in support of the planning application, and to support the Comharchumann through the process.

The OPW is in regular and proactive contact with the Comharchumann regarding the playground and is making every effort to ensure that this issue is progressed without delay.

I assure the Deputy that the OPW is keen to receive the proposals and looks forward to assisting the Comharchumann as they progress this project to planning permission and funding applications.