'Lights out for Dursey' as stalled cable car repairs force islanders to quit

The departure of the island's remaining occupants will see it uninhabited for the first time in more than 400 years

Martin Sheehan, Graham Harding and Fionn Griffin arriving from Dursey Island on Friday. Picture; Eddie O'Hare

It appears that the lights are about to be switched off at the country’s most south-westerly island for the first time in 420 years.

Two farmers have just departed Dursey Island because they are unable to access the island safely as work has stalled on the repair of its famous cable car. And it’s expected that the last full-time inhabitant and a couple who have a holiday home on the island will be forced to leave for the same reason before Christmas.