Skellig boatmen angered at new OPW permit system

Changes to what it claims is “an out of date” and “anti-competitive” ferrying system to the Unesco world heritage site of Skellig Michael, off the coast of Kerry, have been announced by the Office of Public Works.

The new system came into force yesterday.

The previous arrangements — with a defined group of local boatmen in place since 1994 — has been replaced by an open competition and a more market driven approach “which will improve passenger safety and customer service,” the OPW said.