Office of Public Works to inspect storm damage to Skellig Michael path

Images taken by a tourist boat operator reportedly captured the significant storm and wave damage to the main visitor path and landing areas on Skellig Michael off the Kerry coast, the Office of Public Works confirmed.

Rock fall may have been a factor. The site is not due to be open to visitors until mid-May.

The OPW said its inspectors will assess any likely damage when weather conditions are suitable. However it is hoped the key monastic site atop the rock is safe and has not been affected.

The reported damage was spotted in recent days and inspectors are waiting to access the World Heritage Site.

The monastic site which attracts 10,000 visitors a year, is worth millions of euro to the local economy, in particular, and its visitor value has enhanced since it was chosen, over the past two summers, as a location for the filming of scenes in two Star Wars movies.

Rough seas and landing conditions are making access to the island unsafe.

The damage has been sustained to a length of wall along the main visitor path, known as the Lighthouse Road. The route leads from the landing pier at sea level to the base of the South Steps where visitors begin the climb to the monastic site. A portion of the wall at the Cross Cove has been swept away, possibly by the effects of wave action during recent severe storms.

“It is alternatively possible the wall at this location may have been damaged as a result of rockfall from the slopes above the roadway; the section of roadway involved is particularly prone to rockfall, and a timber covered canopy has been in place for many years near this point to protect users from debris falling from above,” an OPW spokeswoman said.

Skellig Michael

It will not be feasible to examine and assess the actual cause of the damage until the OPW and Department of Arts, Heritage and Gaeltacht experts can visit the site.

The monastic site itself, perched high on the island, and the location for scenes in two Star Wars films may not have been affected, the OPW said.

A statement said: “The OPW also confirmed today that it has no information in relation to any damage being caused to the monastic site for which Skellig Mhichíl is famous; as the monastery is remote from the Lighthouse Road location and located considerably higher on the island, it is not expected that there would be the same level of damage at that location as it is not vulnerable to either wave or landslide action.” However, this will only be confirmed once personnel have been able to access Skellig Michael to inspect the entire site.

The OPW said once the position has been fully assessed, a report will be made to the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.