Does National Parks and Wildlife have the power to battle Star Wars on Sceilig?

Ecologists concerned about Disney filming on Sceilig Mhichil shouldn’t take too much comfort from the announcement that National Parks and Wildlife Service staff will monitor the operation.

If the Star Wars’ crew happen to cause damage or disturbance on the Skellig, will there be consequences?

We know that coursers who commit serious offences can get away with a mere warning - as long as they promise not to do it again.

An ICABS report submitted to Minister Humphreys, highlighting numerous breaches of last year’s coursing licence conditions, was ignored despite assurances last year that breaches would no longer be tolerated.

And so the cruelty continues in this hostile corner of the cosmos.

The hares could do with Disney detouring to the mainland and magicking them to a galaxy far, far kinder.

Philip Kiernan

Irish Council Against Blood Sports

Mullingar

Co Westmeath