Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 3 July 2025
195. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation to intervene and urgently address the huge delays with regard to the signing of a lease for a playground to be developed in conjunction with Kerry County Council on OPW lands at An Cheathrúin, Dún Chaoin, County Kerry (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36785/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy may find my response to PQ 31699/25 useful.
The OPW has been a core stakeholder in the conservation of An Blascaod Mór since 1988. Ionad an Bhlascaoid, (the Blasket Centre) was developed with assistance from the locally based voluntary group, Fondúíreacht an Bhlascaoid in 1992/3. It was officially opened in April 1994. The State purchased the majority of the holdings on the island in 2009. The OPW has since restored a number of the houses on the island and operates a guided visitor service on the Island during the summer season each year.
In 2020, €1.2 million was invested in a clifftop Viewing Platform in partnership with Fáilte Ireland, to provide an accessible viewing point for visitors to enjoy vistas of the peninsula and the Great Blasket Island. Additionally, the OPW undertook a major refurbishment of the The Blasket Centre which re-opened in 2022 after an investment of €2.9 million under a strategic partnership between Fáilte Ireland, OPW and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
The OPW is pleased to support Comharchumann Dún Chaoin, a local community group, in their work to deliver a playground on lands adjacent to Ionad an Bhlascaod, which will be an important amenity for the local community.
My officials are continuing to work hard to finalise a lease for the site. The lease will be between the OPW and Kerry County Council for a purpose of a community playground. The playground will be operated by Comharchumann Dún Chaoin.
The OPW, with the assistance of the Chief State Solicitor's Office, is working with Kerry County Council to finalise the legal aspects of the proposed lease.
