Minister O’Donovan visits Dún Beag fort on the Dingle Peninsula and meets with Comharchumann Dhún Chaoin

Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works (OPW), Patrick O’Donovan, T.D., today visited the Corca Dhuibhne Gaeltacht in Co. Kerry where he visited the ancient fort at Dún Beag and met with representatives of Comharchumann Dhún Chaoin.

The Dún Beag fort, which is located on a clifftop site, has suffered serious erosion in recent years. The Minister met with OPW staff who appraised him of works being undertaken by the OPW in order to protect the remaining structures insofar as possible and to allow a degree of safe public access.

The Minister also had a very productive meeting with Comharchumann Dhún Chaoin concerning the potential to site a community playground on lands owned by the OPW near the Blasket Centre. The Minister has sought to find a solution which meets the community’s needs as well as the heritage and operational requirements of Ionad an Bhlascaoid.

Minister O’Donovan is confident that a suitable site has been now been identified which meets these criteria and expects details to be agreed between the OPW and the Comharchumann in the coming weeks. He noted that any proposed agreement in principle would be subject to the normal planning processes.

Speaking after the meeting, the Minister said:

“I am delighted to have found a compromise solution to the request for a proposed playground which supports the local community here in Dun Chaoin, in the heart of the Kerry Gaeltacht.

Irish is a living language, nowhere more vibrant than in Dun Chaoin, and it’s important that the next generation carry the language forward in every aspect of their lives. This starts from an early age and hopefully this playground will help nurture and encourage the promotion of the spoken language for generations to come.

We had a good meeting today with the members of this community who are passionate in their commitment to keeping rural and cultural Ireland alive and I look forward to their continued co-operation with the OPW, particularly next year when we reopen the newly refurbished Ionad.”

-ENDS-

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Notes to Editors:

With stunning views of the wild Atlantic coast and islands at the halfway point of the Slea Head Drive, the Blasket Centre is a fascinating heritage and cultural centre/ museum, honouring the unique community who lived on the remote Blasket Islands until their evacuation in 1953. This is further enhanced by the installation of the viewing platform at the clifftop, which allows visitors experience the breath-taking views and rugged beauty of this idyllic part of West Kerry.

The Blasket Centre tells the story of island life, subsistence fishing and farming, traditional life including modes of work and transport, home life, housing and entertainment. It is the result of a partnership between The Blasket Foundation and the Irish Government. It is currently undergoing refurbishment and will reopen next year. The Blasket Centre and tours of the Island are operated and managed by the Heritage Services of the Office of Public Works.

The OPW has previously completed work on the restoration of the original house of the renowned Great Blasket Island writer Tomás Ó Criomhthain. This Cottage enable us to provide an authentic visitor experience and bring to life the harsh living conditions endured by the local community before the Island was finally abandoned by the 22 remaining inhabitants in 1953.