WELCOME NEWS: Mayor of Kerry Patrick Connor Scarteen says he welcomes the announcement that Scellig Michael can reopen later this month.

By Michelle Crean

There was a welcome reaction to news this week that Skellig Michael can reopen to the public later this month.

On Wednesday, Patrick O’Donovan TD, Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works (OPW), announced a target date of June 21 for the reopening of Skellig Michael to public visitors.

The OPW’s work crews are currently on site undertaking preparatory health and safety works prior to reopening, and as things stand, it is likely that the target date will be achieved. The reopening date is subject to weather conditions remaining favourable for works on the island and intending visitors are advised to consult heritageireland.ie for updates ahead of planning their visit.

"I am very pleased to be able to share this much-anticipated good news with holidaymakers eager to visit Skellig Michael this summer and with the rural communities who rely on tourism to the island," the Minister said.

"I myself look forward to visiting this unique UNESCO World Heritage Site soon and I hope that weather conditions will allow OPW staff to complete the required preparatory works so the reopening can go ahead on June 21. Thanks to the progress we have made on the path to recovery, we will have the opportunity to discover and enjoy national treasures such as these over the coming months.”

WELCOME

Mayor of Kerry Patrick Connor Scarteen says he welcomes the announcement as he called for the reopening "on numerous occasions".

The announcement by Minister with responsibility for the Office of Public Works Mr Patrick O’ Donovan TD that boat tours to the Skelligs can recommence on June 21 pending works being done which is contingent on decent weather is a huge boost to tourism in Kerry," he said.

"I’m sure the announcement is very much welcomed by those who earn their livelihoods from such trips and associated businesses. I look forward to visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Site again soon. Fingers crossed for good weather!"

The news was also welcomed by Councillor Michael Cahill who said that it is great news for Cahersiveen, the Iveragh Peninsula, South Kerry and the entire county.

However, he added with caution that "this “target” date must be struck accurately as the recovery of business in the whole area is dependent upon it".

“The Skellig boatmen have been drawing people to South Kerry for decades and the knock-on spend by visitors can be felt in shops, restaurants, pubs, accommodation, B&B's, hotels, etc., throughout the county,” he said.

“This is a unique product which has been enhanced by its association with Star Wars and it is critical that it reopens as soon as possible in order to save the local jobs and livelihoods that itself has created down through the years. I can’t emphasise enough the importance of Skellig Michael to the Kerry tourism package and it is integral to future employment in the region along with The Ring of Kerry, The Kerry Way and hopefully soon, The South Kerry Greenway. We must show that we are ‘Open For Business’ and get back to what we do best.”