A public hearing by An Bord Pleanála into plans for a cafe on the Great Blasket Island is taking place in Co Kerry.
A number of people are objecting to the plans by An Blascaoid Mór Teoranta to build a cafe and services building there.
The objectors say the proposed building will be visually obtrusive.
BMT owns most of the island and has been engaged for many years in purchase negotiations with the Government.
The Government has set aside €8.5m to develop the island into a national park and apply for UNESCO World Heritage Site status.
In 2005, the company was granted planning permission for a development on the island by Kerry County Council but this was overturned by An Bord Pleanála.
A revised application was again granted permission by the council last November but has once again been appealed to the Bord who are now holding a public hearing into the plans.
