In a statement following the High Court hearing today, that lifted the ban on landing permits to the island, the OPW said would now issue Sceilg Mhichíl boat operator permits to the successful tenderers in a recent competition.
“The OPW will be in contact with the boat operators to complete the process and boat trips to Sceilg Mhichíl are expected to begin on Saturday, June 7 2025, subject to weather conditions,” they said.
The landing season runs from mid-May to the end of September each year but has been delayed this year due to a row over permits which led to a huge financial loss to the tourism industry in South Kerry.
The landing permits were automatically suspended when two unsuccessful bidders brought a High Court challenge to the decision but today a decision has been made to lift that suspension.
Today’s lifting in the ban on landing passengers has been warmly welcomed by Cllr Norma Moriarty and Deputy Michael Cahill and his son, Cllr Tommy Cahill.
Cllr Norma Moriarty, who has long campaigned for ‘common sense’ to prevail and for the island to be re-open to secure the tourism season said there is relief in the region.
“There is no exaggerration to the effect this has had on the area. It was crucial that this was re-opened. It is the prime tourist location in the area and businesses were suffering because of its closure.”
Deputy Cahill said that landings must be allowed immediately given the negative effect the closure has had.
“All of Kerry is affected by the closure of landings on Sceilg Mhichíl, due to the vast numbers that visit there each year and makes only common sense to allow landings immediately,” he said.
“B&Bs, Hotels, Restaurants, Pubs and shops in Portmagee, Cahersiveen, Glenbeigh, Waterville, Caherdaniel and much further afield are down in business because of its closure.
“This is wonderful news for the entire region. The automatic suspension on the 2025 permits has been lifted and the OPW will now be able to issue 2025 permits while the legal argument goes on about the procurement for 2026 and onwards,” said the Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Tourism.
A protest took place in recent weeks highlighted the detrimental effect the closure had on the region with businesses pleading for the island to re-open amid fears that not only would the 2025 season be a wash-out but that it would have consequences for years to come.
Cllr Moriarty has also called for the season to be extended to give back to the businesses and the boatmen who have suffered significant financial losses due to the island’s closure. She said while it is of course weather dependant the OPW must consider extending the season.
Minister for Children, Disability, Equality and Kerry TD Norma Foley has said she is engaging with Minister of State for the Office of Public Works, Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran about an extension of the landing season beyond the end of September.
“I’m very mindful that considerable time has been lost for boat operators and local businesses. It has also been an enormous blow to tourists visiting the area, many of whom are doing so just to visit Skellig Michael. I think it would be hugely beneficial if the Minister were in a position to extend the landing season, weather permitting, to make up for valuable time that has been lost already. ”
