Tourist trips to the Skelligs in Co Kerry have been hampered by rough seas and a long winter.

Lucasfilm using Skellig Michael to shoot scenes for the film has caused controversy, with environmental groups concerned it could damage the island’s fragile environment and threaten its bird population, despite the obvious tourist benefits. Heather Humphreys, Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, and Justin Byrne a council member of An Taisce, argue the pros and cons.