A protracted dispute over the State's proposals to purchase the Great Blasket Island off the coast of Kerry may be nearing a conclusion.
The dispute over ownership of the island is at least 20 years old. The 1989 Blasket Island Act, which would have seen compulsory purchase of the island, was struck down by the Supreme Court in 1999.
Since then a management plan with wide consultation has been drawn up and financial offers made to landowners. However, access to the island has also become an issue in recent years with rival ferry operators to the majority landowner being refused access.
New contracts were issued to landowners last week, Dingle solicitor and director of the majority landowner An Blascaod Mór Teoranta Peter Callery told Radio Kerry. It's understood that other landowners involved in the negotiations are also close to signing contracts with the Office of Public Works.
But it is understood the agreement is dependent on Mr Callery's company securing planning permission to develop a services centre on the island.
Two years ago An Bord Pleanála rejected plans by An Blascaod Mór Teoranta for a cafe, wildlife rangers' centre and services building on the island after an appeal by An Taisce and a third party.
Along with piers, the construction of a services building and cafe was one of "the key elements" of the Great Blasket Island management plan attached to the Government buyout.
The ultimate aim is to conserve the buildings, the wildlife and to apply for Unesco world heritage status for the island. In 2002 some €8 million was announced by the Government for conservation of the island.