asked the Minister for Finance the up-to-date position to ERDF (special non-quota fund for County Border Areas) with particular reference to Donegal.
Written Answers. - Utilisation of ERDF.
23.
Discussions are at present taking place with the Commission in connection with the final programme to be drawn up for utilisation of these funds. It is hoped that a conclusion will be reached in the near future.
25.
asked the Minister for Finance if he will consider purchasing the land in the main Blasket Island and have the area declared a national park.
The Great Blasket Island originally comprised 25 small holdings and commonage of about 1,000 acres. The State purchased one holding in 1977 which also give it a share of the commonage. Negotiations for the purchase of additional holdings from the individual owners were not successful. It is not proposed, at this time, to reopen negotiations. While of great historical and cultural significance, the Great Blasket Island does not meet the internationally accepted criteria for national parks.