The sensitivities of the grey seal population of the Great Blasket could determine the location of a pier proposed for the island. The disturbance the pier might cause to the seals on the north of the island is set against protecting the houses in the south from tourist numbers.
A public forum on the construction of the piers met on Thursday night to discuss both arguments.
The building of the piers, one on the island and another on the mainland at Ionad an Bhlascaoid in Dunquin, will be the first step towards the conservation of the island since 1953 when the last islanders left.
The Great Blasket was the subject of protracted legal action when the State tried to acquire it from landowners. In 1997, the Supreme Court struck down the Great Blasket Act of 1989, under which the island was to be turned into a National Park.
Up to 350 grey seals mate and pup at Traigh Bhan on the north of the island, one of two locations proposed by consultants for a pier, the forum heard.
The Great Blasket was a special area of conservation, and a proposed Natural Heritage Area. Under the EU Habitats directives, permanent disturbance to the rare seals would not be allowed, said environmental engineer, Ms Svenja Garand.
However, Mr Michael Canny, Director of the National Parks and Wildlife Service, said: "We are here primarily to protect the structures of the island. Some 8 per cent of the seals in the Blaskets as a whole used the north of the island. The legislation allowed that in cases where there was significant adverse impact 'for reasons of over-riding public interest' constructions could go ahead.
"I am not saying that it should," he added.
The houses in the south of the island, which featured in the works of its great literary figures - Peig, Tomás Ó Criomhthain and Muiris Ó Súileabháin - are deteriorating badly. This is partly due to weathering, but is also due to the increase in tourist numbers. Under the present landing system, they come ashore just below the village.
Putting a new pier on the south, while easier from an engineering point of view, and less costly, would mean "additional visitor pressure" on this sensitive area, consultants warned.
"It would mean landing people into the core of the sensitive area," said Mr David Bagnall of Brady Shipman Martin, planning consultants.
Visitor surveys showed a large proportion never moved more than 200 yards from the point of arrival. "By distancing yourself from the sensitive area you are giving yourself the possibility of reducing the impact."
There was some difference between boat operators on the preferred location of the piers. Visitor numbers are to be capped at 400 a day.
Mr Michael Sheeran, boat operator, said there would have to be an independent management committee to ensure the traditional ferry men got their fair share.
"The northern site is totally unsuitable from the boat operators point of view . . . There are some moves trying to prevent us from keeping our traditional business. The majority landowner is looking for 25 per cent of the ferry business," Mr Sheeran said.
Mr Peter Callery, landowner, said Mr Sheeran himself had favoured the northern site at one stage in his submissions to the forum.
Mr Eoghan Slattery, boat operator, said the northern beach had been used as a landing point by islanders all year round. Seals were to be found all around the island, he said.
Ms Sue Redican who has lived on the island for 18 years during the summer, said she favoured the southern location because of the disturbance to the seals at the other end.
At Dunquin, on the mainland, the traditional winding walkway looks set to be retained. Ms Eithne Ní Chinneide, describing herself as "an elder" and an annual visitor to the island, called for better railings and steps for safety.
Overall project managers, Malachy Walsh and Partners, will assess the submissions and make a recommendation on one pier for the island and one for the mainland before Christmas.