Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 16 Oct 2001

Vol. 542 No. 2

Written Answers. - Island Access.

John McGuinness

Question:

424 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands the reason the issue of access to Derrynaflan Island, through Littleton bog, has not been resolved; the contact which has been made with Bord na Móna to resolve the issue and restore access; if she will intercede to bring about a resolution to the issue; the access which is available to Dúchas for maintenance purposes; the programme of works which is in place at Derrynaflan Island, the 18th century church and the Gobán Saor's grave; if a report on the present state of the site in general is available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23860/01]

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

There is no official access to Derrynaflan Island through Littleton bog. The access involved is a private one owned, I understand, by Bord na Móna. My Department has use of its own official right of way, which was granted when the site was taken into guardianship, to access Derrynaflan Island for the purpose of maintenance of the monuments on the island. This official access route is satisfactory for such maintenance purposes.

There is no proposed programme of works to the site. Routine maintenance was carried out at the site this year following the lifting of restrictions due to foot and mouth disease and the site is considered to be in satisfactory condition.