The biggest landowner on Great Blasket Island has been granted planning permission to build a café and services centre on the uninhabited island.
But the deal could yet be scuppered as opponents of the development plan have indicated they will appeal to An Bord Pleanála.
Opponents say the island should be left as it was when evacuated in 1953.
Previous planning permission granted in 2004 was then reversed by An Bord Pleanála, on the grounds that the proposed café would be too large and visually obtrusive.
Peter Callery, whose family owns most of Great Blasket Island, says a café and services centre will provide important services for tourists visiting the island and anyone trying to block the development is not being realistic. He says he will abide by any building conditions set down by the Kerry Co Council.
Mr Callery says he would be willing to sell most of his family's landholdings on the island to the Office of Public Works if he was given full permission for the café.
The state has wanted control over the island for decades so it can do conservation work and develop tourism infrastructure, including the building of a proper pier.
