Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 July 2020
331. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will review the plans for the remainder of the 2020 season in respect of Skellig Mhichíl, County Kerry in view of the acceleration of the Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business and the enormous economic boost to south County Kerry that reopening the site to visitors would bring; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15186/20]
View answerThe Office of Public Works is currently in the process of reassessing the position in relation to the Skellig Michael visitor site in light of the changed approach to reopening business and tourist locations which has emerged from Government in the past few weeks.
This review will focus on the Risk analysis which was previously carried out and will assess whether there have been any significant alterations to the position in the meantime which might indicate that a late-season opening could be feasible. OPW is consulting directly with local Boatman interests in the course of this examination as they have a key role in relation to transporting visitors to the island and are responsible for the safety of passengers for that element of the visitor journey.
An outcome to this review is expected by late July and an announcement will be made as to whether an opening is feasible at that stage.
