‘Star Wars’ film crew return to Skelligs

On-site ecologists will have the power to stop filming of the next Star Wars film on Skellig Michael next week, as Arts Minister Heather Humphreys sought to allay fears of damage to the Unesco World Heritage Site.

Ms Humphreys confirmed that she had given permission to Disney/Lucasfilm to carry out a new round of filming on the Kerry island.

The shoot, due to start next week, is longer in duration than the shoot of summer 2014. Heritage campaigners and wildlife protection groups have voiced their dismay at the second round of filming on the island.