Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 February 2017
483. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his plans to allow for more flexibility in opening times for landing on Sceilig Mhichíl (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9819/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy has indicated in his question, the usual opening date at Skellig Michael is approx. mid May and I can confirm that this is the target again for the 2017 season.
It is necessary at the start of each season to perform to a wide range of pre-season maintenance and safety works before any visitors arrive at the island and, although there can be abnormal situations such as in 2016 when a substantial rock-fall obliterated part of the Lighthouse Road Wall and made visitor access highly dangerous, these pre-season tasks normally take a minimum of 3 to 4 weeks to complete. Long experience shows that access to the Skellig in the early part of April is highly difficult and OPW works staff are not guaranteed to be able to consistently access the Island with any certainty at that time. While occasionally all weather and sea conditions can be relatively benign and works completed earlier than planned, these occurrences are very much the exception. The experience of OPW Management over many seasons operating at Skellig has been that in the majority of years, works would only be completed and access to the public permissible by the middle of May.
As Skellig Michael is an international destination which draws visitors from many countries, it is necessary to announce the opening date at least 4 – 6 weeks in advance. It is not feasible, given the unpredictability of sea and weather conditions, the lead times involved in works, contracting Guide staff, completing safety training with local emergency services etc., to announce an earlier date which has a practical degree of certainty.
