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Tourism Industry

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 June 2020

Wednesday, 3 June 2020

Ceisteanna (132)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

132. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will address a matter regarding the closure of Skellig Michael (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8902/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

In making the decision to close Skellig for the remainder of the 2020 season, OPW had to have regard to the safety of a range of individuals including Visitors to the island, OPW staff and Boatmen and their employees. 

It was the OPW assessment that given the particular nature of the Skellig site and the means of transit to it, the comparisons with other landside environments are not valid and the risks to public health could not be sufficiently mitigated.   This is particularly the case given the regular incidence of illness / vomiting among visitors on the trip, the frequent necessity for Guides to administer close support & first aid to visitors and the lack of any water and public hand washing facilities on the island.  In addition, there are significant on-island restrictions on movement of visitors with considerable physical danger involved in stepping off island pathways when meeting others, the likelihood of people ventilating / panting heavily in close proximity to fellow visitors and the presence of safety chain handrails in a number of locations that could not be adequately sterilised between every use.   The OPW also concluded that, having regard to the best public health advice available, it was unlikely that Covid-19 would have disappeared fully from Ireland within the four months remaining in the season to the extent that these special factors present at Skellig Michael would be rendered irrelevant and a reopening would be feasible.   

Notwithstanding the likely health barriers to reopening at a later stage, there are also significant operational issues involved in opening Skellig Michael and necessary fixed expenditures by Boatmen on safety equipment, insurances etc which are required before operations can start.   Having assessed these issues and consulted with relevant stakeholders, it is clear to the OPW that even absent the public health complications, a late restart to the season is not feasible.

If there is a welcome upsurge in domestic tourism later in the summer there are multiple other significant heritage attractions in South Kerry that will still be available to visitors where they can go to visit safely; including Ballinskelligs Abbey, Loher Stone Fort, Cahergall, Derrynane House etc.

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