This year’s caretakers of Great Blasket Island have spoken of their “beautiful time” on the island looking after its holiday cottages over the summer months.
But they also shared their disappointment at the behaviour or some of the hundreds of visitors to the popular destination off the Co Kerry coast.
Speaking to Newstalk’s Pat Kenny Show, Claire de Haas spoke of one incident where someone picked up and mistreated a newborn seal pup for a selfie — inadvertently causing its death as it was rejected by its mother.
“There is no signage on the island to educate or inform people about general wildlife rules or the seals,” de Haas said.
Another issue is the absence of public toilets on the island, especially since the closure of its single small café.
Reacting to reports of some visitors relieving themselves in the ruins of famed storyteller Peig Sayers’ historic home on the island, Minister of State Patrick O’Donovan told RTÉ News that people should “exercise cop-on”.
“We personally think it’s ridiculous,” said de Haas on the toilet situation. “I think people should be informed before they go on the boat and boat companies inform the guests before they get on.”
Newstalk has more on the story HERE.