Ireland's Environment Minister John Gormley has announced the completion of the purchase of the majority land-holding interest on the Great Blasket Island, County Kerry.

Mr Gormley, who oversees the Office of Public Works (OPW), said negotiations with the owners, Blascaod Mór Teoranta, had been successful.

Talks had been taking place over a number of years in order to acquire a substantial portion of the Island.

"In 2005 the Government decided that the majority of land interests on An Blascaod Mór should be purchased by the State. This goal has now been reached," the minister said today.

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"An Blascaod Mór is a tangible repository of the way-of-life, traditions and rich culture of a native Irish-speaking western island community, particularly from the 19th and early 20th century period."

Funding of around €2m was made available by Minister Gormley's department to enable the purchase to be completed.

Minister of State Martin Mansergh said: "I am delighted to welcome this very special addition to the wide portfolio of heritage properties managed by OPW.

"The Visitor Centre at Dún Chaoin on the mainland overlooking the Island, Ionad An Bhlascaod Mór, already receives 50,000 visitors annually and also makes a major contribution to the socio-economic fabric of the region," he added.

(PR/JM)