Diocese hopes Marian Grotto can be used as holy place despite safety concerns

The Killarney-based quarry owner, Aidan Forde, said that falling rocks and other concerns means he has had to close off a public area

The company said 'dangerously loose' rocks fell and bounced on parts of the cliff below, travelling a significant distance horizontally, at Valentia Slate quarry and grotto. File Picture: Valerie O'Sullivan

The Diocese of Kerry said it hopes the Marian Grotto in a working quarry on Valentia Island can continue to be used “as a place of worship and pilgrimage” despite safety concerns being raised.

A growing row is brewing over access to the popular shrine at the entrance to the well-known Valentia slate quarry.