Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Patrick O’Donovan, Minister of State for the Office of Public Works, paid a visit to County Kerry on Saturday to witness the restoration of An Blascaod Mór (the Great Blasket) by the OPW. They also graced the annual ‘Ceiliúradh an Bhlascaoid’ commemoration with their presence.
During his visit, Taoiseach Varadkar expressed his admiration for the Great Blasket, calling it one of the most beautiful places in Ireland and a priceless cultural asset. He emphasised the importance of preserving the island and its villages as a legacy and a unique tourism asset, adding that the OPW is doing an essential task of conserving and protecting the Great Blasket to benefit visitors from Ireland and overseas.
“The Great Blasket is like stepping into a different time and place. It’s living history and heritage. It’s essential that we preserve the island and its villages, as an irreplaceable legacy, and a unique tourism asset,” the Taoiseach said.
He further stated that the current focus is on improving the landing facilities on the island and the island itself in a way that protects nature and wildlife.
In addition to inspecting the restoration work, the two dignitaries attended the Annual ‘Ceiliúradh an Bhlascaoid’ at the fully restored Ionad an Bhlascaoid/The Blasket Centre, which has been the venue for this three-day event on the history and heritage of the Blasket Islands since 1996.
The theme of this year's gathering was "Turas go Tír na nÓg – Óige an Bhlascaoid Mhóir agus Sliocht an Oileáin i gCéin" (A Trip to the Land of Youth: Youth on the Great Blasket and Island families abroad), with a focus on youth on the island.