High level discussions have commenced between the National Parks and Wildlife Service and the Commissioners of Irish Lights about the possible preservation and development of the old lighthouse buildings on one of Na Blascaodaí in Co Kerry.
Concerns have been raised about the deteriorating condition and lack of maintenance of the lighthouse dwellings on An Tiaracht, the westernmost island of Na Blascaodaí, also known as the Blasket Islands.
In recent years, holes have appeared in the roof of the 155-year-old buildings, windows have been broken and masonry has been exposed by the elements.
The landing place beneath the dwellings has also been significantly damaged by powerful seas.
The buildings which housed the lighthouse keepers are no longer in active use since the light on An Tiaracht was automated in 1988.
In response to queries about the state of the dwellings, the Commissioners of Irish Lights have said the maintenance of the lighthouse itself is now the priority.
The maritime organisation said the automation of the lighthouse since 1988 means "the operational footprint being maintained is now significantly smaller and excludes the dwellings and associated buildings".
However, Director General of the National Parks and Wildlife Serveice (NPWS) Niall Ó Donnchú confirmed that discussions had commenced between himself and CEO of Irish Lights Yvonne Shields O'Connor with a view to preserving and developing the old dwellings.
"An Tiaracht is now part of the new national marine park, Páirc Náisiúnta na Mara, and of course we have both an interest in and a responsibility towards such buildings and the potential they hold" said Mr Ó Donnchú.
"However, discussions have just begun, we are at a very early stage but they have been very positive. There is a shared desire to find an appropriate solution. They are very important buildings and they could certainly become an important feature in the new marine park," he added.
The lighthouse on An Tiaracht is the most westerly light in Europe.
Last week, local boatman Mick Sheeran, who has been operating around An Tiaracht since 1976 raised concerns about the current state of the dwellings.
Mr Sheeran called for urgent works to secure the buildings and the landing place before further damage could be inflicted.
He claimed intervention was required now, before the cost of repair required became unfeasible.
Fondúireacht an Bhlascaoid (The Blasket Foundation) called for state investment in An Tiaracht station and said every effort should be made to protect the lighthouse station.
The foundation believes the old buildings could be used for research purposes, accommodating the likes of marine scientists, ornithologists, botanists and geologists.
An Tiaracht is now situated in the new national maritime park, Páirc Náisiúnta na Mara.
Announced last April, the 70,000 acre national park includes the marine areas of Na Blascaodaí, the Kerry Head shoals, Derrynane Bay and the Sceilg rocks, along with land ranges of the Conor Pass, Cnoc Bréanainn and the Inch dune system.
Known within maritime circles as Inishteeraght Lighthouse, the station is perched on the upper ledges of a 650 feet high rock.
The light was first lit on An Tiaracht in 1870.
The adjacent dwellings provided accommodation for the lighthouse keepers and their families.
At one stage up to 13 people lived on the rock.
In 1913 one of the keepers fell to his death while attempting to catch a goat for milking.
A fog signal which gave three blasts every 45 seconds was discontinued in 1987.
The last keepers were withdrawn from An Tiaracht in 1988 when the light was switched to automatic operation.
