The Office of Public Works has confirmed it will not re-open the Skellig Michael UNESCO World Heritage Site for the remainder of the 2020 tourist season due to concerns over Covid-19 and the consequent risk to visitors and boat operators. The decision was greeted with disappointment by local boat operators in Portmagee and surrounding villages in South Kerry who are heavily dependent on trips to the Skelligs which has grown in popularity as a visitor site since featuring in two of the most recent Star Wars movies. Donal McCrohan, chairman of the Skelligs Boatmen’s Association, which represents 15 licensed operators in Portmagee, Ballinskelligs and Derrynane, told The Irish Times the OPW decision not to re-open was a disappointment even though it was not entirely a surprise. “Having considered all the issues however, we have concluded that this is not feasible and Skellig Michael cannot be made safe from Covid-19 for either visitors or staff. He said that OPW workmen are currently travelling to the island to carry out essential maintenance and other works on the island and its monuments and will continue to do so with a view to the site re-opening for visits in 2021.

Source: The Irish Times July 30, 2020 16:41 UTC