Rockfalls on Sceilig Mhichíl, (also known as Skellig Michael or Great Skellig Island), Co. Kerry have caused a breach to the Lighthouse Road wall, which forms the sole access to the monastic site from the island’s landing. The damage is reported as being significant and extensive, and the steep ground above the roadway may be subject to further rock falls following the heavy rains that have occurred over the winter months. This must be examined and repaired as required before public access is permitted.
The news was issued by The Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport to all Masters, Skippers, Seafarers, Fishers, Passenger Boat Operators and Owners and Users of Recreational Craft in Marine Notice this afternoon.
The OPW has advised that the island remains in a highly unstable and extremely dangerous condition and should, under no circumstances, be accessed by anyone other than the OPW project team and their contractors involved with the assessment of the damage and repairs. Any unauthorised persons landing on the island before the necessary repairs have been carried out would be exposed to considerable risk.
The Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport wishes to advise that, until further notice, persons should not be landed on the island from any vessel without the express consent of the OPW.
This Marine Notice will be cancelled at such time that the OPW advise that the repairs have been completed and the island has been re-opened to the public.
