OPW seeks permission to issue Sceilg Mhichíl boat operator permits
The Office of Public Works (OPW) has confirmed it has lodged a motion before the High Court seeking permission to issue Sceilg Mhichíl boat operator permits for summer 2025 to the successful applicants in a recent competition.
However, this will not be heard until June.
The Unesco World Heritage island and special protected area for bird life was due to open earlier this month but legal action by three unsuccessful operators in the latest competition for tenders prevented the scheduled opening.
Local representatives as well as businesses have called for various solutions including that temporary licences be issued.
Tours to the early medieval monastic island and site of Star Wars films are in huge demand and the business is vital to the local economy and to boat operators, they have said.
The OPW said a date for the High Court to hear its motion to lift the suspension has been assigned for either the 3rd or 4th of June.
In December 2024, the OPW published a competition to award 15 permits for summer 2025 and onwards. The number of permits is limited in order to protect the fragile ecosystem of Sceilg Mhichíl, it said.
The OPW contacted applicants in late March 2025 to tell them the outcome of their applications.
Since then, three unsuccessful participants in the competition have brought High Court proceedings challenging the outcome of the competition.
The OPW will be fully defending the proceedings.
Under Irish and EU law, the proceedings brought by three unsuccessful tenderers mean that the OPW is prevented from issuing permits for summer 2025, until the proceedings are resolved or unless the High Court gives permission to issue permits.
Essentially, the proceedings brought by unsuccessful tenderers act as an injunction.
In an attempt to resolve the situation, the OPW has been making urgent applications to the High Court requesting permission to lift the injunction in place (also known as a suspension).
The OPW has been preparing for the opening of Sceilg Mhichíl for some weeks now with its conservation team, made up of architects, stonemasons and a safety expert, involved in the annual post-winter check-up and maintenance.
This maintenance programme covers the East, South and North Steps, the monastery and all the structures on the South Peak including the pier.
Likewise, the OPW visitor experience guide team has been completing the required training to prepare for the forthcoming season including certified rope access handling training, sea-survival training, first aid wilderness training and VHF (radio communications) training.
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