Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 23 September 2021
40. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide space for a play area in Dun Chaoin on the site of Ionad an Bhlascaoid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45697/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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 Centre was officially opened to public in April 1994 and the centre plays a critical role in the cultural life of Dún Chaoin and is an important facility for the local community. It is also an important heritage visitor experience, operated by OPW, which celebrates and interprets the extraordinary literary legacy of the Great Blasket and as such, it makes a significant contribution to the economic and tourism agenda in West Kerry.
At An Blascaod Mór itself, the State purchased the majority of the land holdings in 2009. The OPW has provided a very successful guide service on the island since 2013, highlighting the heritage of the island for visitors. The OPW, with assistance from Fáilte Ireland, has also restored two houses on the island, including the home of the pre-eminent Blasket author, Tomás Ó Criomhthain. Further work is currently underway with a view to the further conservation of the largely abandoned island village.
In 2020, the OPW opened a striking new ‘Viewing Platform’ at the Ionad site in Dún Chaoin, on a clifftop site overlooking the Blasket Sound. This project was funded by Fáilte Ireland and the OPW to create a unique way for visitors to experience the dramatic landscape of West Kerry. It connects with the headland walking routes which provide a safe way for visitors of all ages to enjoy the natural landscape.
As part of this strategic programme of investment with Fáilte Ireland, a project is also underway to refurbish Ionad an Bhlascaoid itself incorporating a completely reimagined interpretive exhibition of world-class standard. This project will be completed in Spring 2022 and will open to visitors for the Summer season next year.
Since the inception of Ionad an Bhlascaoid at Dún 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. In particular the OPW manifestly supports and nurtures the living language and the cultivation of a local community where Irish is the spoken language for all day-to-day activities.
Late last year, the OPW was approached by Comharchumann Dhún Chaoin regarding the possibility of the OPW providing land at the site of Ionad an Bhlascaoid for the purposes of a playground.
This proposal was given deep consideration by the OPW but there were a number of concerns in relation to establishing an enclosed, surfaced play area within the natural landscape located in a Special Area of Conservation. The OPW was also concerned about additional demand generated by users of the playground for facilities on site including toilets, café and car parking which have not been designed or planned with such demand in mind.
I have personal associations with Dún Chaoin and Corca Dhuibhne for many years and I am anxious to resolve this matter to the benefit of the OPW and the community in Dún Chaoin. I have asked my officials to examine all possibilities at the site in question to see if there might be scope for an alternative approach and I am very confident we will find a solution. There is a constructive dialogue ongoing and I believe an excellent outcome can be achieved which will meet the needs of the local community but will also be compatible with the operations of Ionad an Bhlascaoid.
I, together with senior OPW officials, plan to meet representatives of Comharchumann Dhún Chaoin shortly. I am hopeful that this engagement will enable further progress to be made to bring this matter to a satisfactory conclusion.
