Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 April 2025
620. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform to examine an appeal as a matter of extreme urgency, to a decision to disqualify a Skellig boat operator in County Kerry from renewing their licence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18654/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraSkellig Michael is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in State Ownership. The conservation and presentation of the island is the responsibility of the Office of Public Works (OPW).
The OPW manages access to the Island by way of a license or permit system whereby a specific number of boat operators are granted permits to carry visitors to the Island in a given season.
The OPW undertook an open competition via the e-Tenders system to award permits to fifteen successful candidates. Successful tenderers, subject to compliance with necessary Terms and Conditions, will be awarded a permit for a maximum of five consecutive seasons.
The original invitation issued on e-tenders on the 12th December 2024 and the evaluation has been completed in recent weeks. I am advised by my officials that the OPW issued notifications to all applicants on Thursday 27th March and relevant feedback has also been provided.
The Deputy may be aware that this competition is now the subject of legal proceedings and as such I cannot comment further.
