I have always made it clear that I see the provision of appropriate facilities for public access to the Burren National Park, and for control of that access, as a priority.
Given the depth of feeling around the issue, however, it seemed prudent to me in the circumstances, following the decision by An Bord Pleanála, to provide space for calm reflection on the search for a solution which would command broadly based support.
I believe that the time is now right to start the process and I recently instructed my officials to open exploratory talks with Clare County Council to establish in general what options may exist in the whole north Clare area.