Skellig standoff poses threat to livelihoods in Kerry, tourism chief warns
Tourism chiefs have urged officials to issue boat operators with temporary permits to resolve a dispute threatening to destroy the visitor season to Skellig Michael.
The UNESCO world heritage site off the Kerry coast was closed to tourists for the scheduled start of the season over the weekend due to a legal dispute over the awarding of landing permits.
It's feared access to the spectacular monastic outpost - which featured in two Star Wars movies - is likely to remain suspended until late June due to the timing of a judicial review.
The OPW is facing separate High Court challenges from three boat operators who were unsuccessful in the recent competition run by the State body to award permits.
While the proceedings are active, the OPW insists it cannot legally issue landing permits for the current season, unless the court directs otherwise.
Last summer, 15,762 visitors spent just under €2 million to visit Skellig Michael.
James Murphy, chairperson of the Skellig Coast Tourism Network, said: 'The failure to confirm permits for the 2025 season risks serious and lasting damage to businesses, livelihoods and Ireland's reputation as a world-class tourism destination.
'Every single business in the region will be affected by this delay, and the effects will be felt throughout Kerry.
'Tourists who had booked trips over to Skellig Michael are already cancelling their trips and changing their plans. It's a disaster and I fear businesses will be forced to close down because of this.'
'We need the OPW to stop digging their heels in, and come down and talk to us and get this sorted.'
Last Wednesday, the OPW lodged a motion before the High Court seeking permission 'to issue boat operator permits for Summer 2025 to the successful applicants in a recent competition'.
It added: 'The OPW is acutely aware of the key role the island plays in the tourism economy of south Kerry.'
A source close to one boat operator said: 'The only way round this that I can see is for the OPW to issue temporary permits to the applicants who were successful in the competition, so we can get the season underway.'
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