A viewing platform has been launched at the Blasket Centre in West Kerry.
The walkway and viewing point are accessible to people of all ages and abilities, free of charge at Ionad an Bhlascaoid in Dún Chaoin.
Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works, Patrick O’Donovan was in West Kerry to officially open the Wild Atlantic Way Viewing Point today.
The viewing platform development is part of a €2.6 million investment in the Blaskets by Fáilte Ireland, the OPW, and the Department of Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht.
The overall project also includes the restoration of the original house of Great Blasket Island writer Tomás Ó Criomhthain, and a major upgrade of the exhibition at Ionad an Bhlascaoid.
It was officially opened today Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works, Patrick O’Donovan.
Speaking on his visit to the county, Minister O'Donovan said he couldn’t give a commitment on Skellig Michael reopening this season.
The world heritage site is managed by the OPW, which announced in May that it would not open the island to visitors because of COVID-19 concerns.
The minister says while they’re in discussions as to whether it’s possible to open Skellig Michael at some point before the end of this season, he doesn’t want to give any false hope.
When questioned on flood defences, which the OPW also has responsibility for, Minister O'Donovan says they’re in the middle of a ten year €1 billion plan and is aware of issues in Kerry coastal communities including Rossbeigh.
He’s critical, however, of some politicians' positions on the flood defences issue.
