Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 7 May 1998

Vol. 490 No. 6

Written Answers. - National Parks.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

20 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands the action, if any, she intends to take arising from the recent High Court decision that the terms of An Blascaod Mór National Historic Park Act, 1989, were unconstitutional; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10766/98]

Enda Kenny

Question:

83 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands the matters examined by her prior to her decision to appeal to the Supreme Court in the case of An Blascaod Mór National Historic Park Act, 1989; if she has visited the island herself; if she considered leading negotiations with the owners involved prior to making this decision; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10881/98]

Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands (Miss de Valera)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 20 and 83 together.

Deputies will be aware that, following the perfection of the order implementing the High Court decision in this case, I publicly advised, in a press release of 30 April 1998 my intention to appeal the decision. This process is now in train. Prior to making this decision, a comprehensive review of the issues involved was undertaken with all relevant parties, particularly the State's legal team. I also arranged for officials of my Department to re-open discussions with representatives of Blascaod Mór Teoranta, the principal landowners on the island, with a view to reaching an overall settlement if at all possible. A meeting took place on 17 April but, unfortunately, it did not result in any prospect of a settlement. The decision to appeal to the Supreme Court was taken, after much deliberation and taking all factors into account, as being in the best interests of preserving the homeland of the Great Blasket Island community.

As the Deputies will no doubt appreciate State possession of the island is eminently desirable on conserving, presenting and managing the island as a national historic park. Unfortunately, I have not yet had the opportunity to visit the island but I would hope to do so at a future date.