Second death sparks review of safety at Skellig Rock

A FUNDAMENTAL review of safety on Skellig Michael is to be carried out following the second death this year after a fall on the rock, Minister of State for the Office of Public Works (OPW) Martin Mansergh confirmed yesterday.

He also said access to the UNESCO world heritage site, 12 kilometres off the south Kerry coast, would be allowed, in future, only when it was officially open to visitors and when official guides were on duty.

Mr Mansergh, who described the rock as “hazardous”, said difficult decisions needed to be made and the priority was to prevent further deaths.