The OPW has rejected a proposal for a playground at the Blasket Centre in Dunquin.
Kerry Fine Gael TD and Deputy Government Chief Whip Brendan Griffin raised the matter in the Dáil this week.
Deputy Griffin asked the Minister of State for Public Expenditure and Reform, Patrick O'Donovan, if the Office of Public Works will facilitate a local community organisation in providing a community facility on the OPW-owned lands at the heritage centre and musem in Dún Chaoin.
In response to Deputy Griffin, Minister of State Patrick O'Donovan stated the Department does not believe a playground would be compatible with the wider landscape surrounding the Blasket Centre.
He added that parking, toilets, café and visitor facilities are part of ongoing project works at the Blasket Centre.
However, additional visitor demand from playground users has not been factored into the building or operating capacity at the centre, and its facilities are not designed to meet additional capacity demands associated with a playground attraction.
The response also stated that playgrounds are available at Ballyferriter, 8km from the Blasket Centre, and in Dingle, 14km from the centre.
Minister of State Patrick O'Donovan said the response may not be the outcome the local community was hoping for, but the OPW will continue to work closely with them.
