The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Micheál Martin, T.D., on the 28th July 2009, announced that the Government has agreed to the transfer of Spike Island from the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform to Cork County Council to enable the Council to explore the tourism potential of the Island. Detailed negotiations will now take place between the Department and the Council to bring about the necessary transfer of ownership. Making the announcement, Minister Martin said: “I believe that it is important to unlock any tourism potential of the Island to the immediate benefit of the Cork and Munster region generally and I would like to thank all those involved in Cork County Council for their willingness to actively explore the tourism potential of the Island.” The Minister continued: “The Department of Justice will afford full co-operation to the County Council in having the transfer of ownership done as soon as possible to enable the Council to progress its proposals and plans.”

Cork County Council Manager Martin Riordan added "Cork County Council welcomes the Government’s decision to transfer ownership of Spike Island to the Council. This will enable the Council to progress the development of Spike Island as a unique tourism, heritage and recreational product in Cork Harbour. Discussions have been ongoing over a period of 12 months between Cork County Council and Officials of the Department of Justice and the Irish Prison Service to secure this decision. "

“This is a significant milestone in the unlocking of the potential of Spike Island and Cork Harbour for the future”, stated Mayor Derry Canty.

“I look forward to the Council now progressing to the next stage in developing Spike Island”.

“This is great news for the Cork Harbour area. I would like to acknowledge the positive engagement and commitment of Mr. Sean Aylward, Secretary General of Department of Justice, Ms. Mary Burke of Department of Justice and Mr. Brian Purcell, Director General of the Irish Prison Service in bringing this to a positive conclusion”, stated Martin Riordan, County Manager.

I have asked Mr. Brendan Tuohy, former Secretary General of Department of Communications, Marine & Natural Resources and a native of Ringaskiddy to Chair a Project Group who will now progress the short and medium term development of Spike Island.