Skellig Michael sea permit row brews amid OPW safety fears

A new permit scheme, opening it up to competition, is to be introduced for boats operating to Skellig Michael, the Unesco World Heritage Site site featured in the latest Star Wars movie, in an attempt to curb out-of-season landings and poor safety.

The number of permits will remain at 15, but the decision to advertise the scheme is a rejection of the ‘hereditary rights’ granted to traditional operators.

It is designed to end what the OPW claims is “anti-competitive practice” and safety deficiencies.