State on verge of closing Blasket buy

OWNERS of the historic Great Blasket island in Kerry are understood to be on the brink of a purchase agreement with the Government, though the granting of planning permission for development on the island is still a key issue.

The long-term plan is to have the island, famous for its writers, designated as a World Heritage Park.

The buyout is expected to be worth in the region of €1.7 million and the overall plan is estimated to cost €8.5m to implement.