Michael Cahill (Kerry, Fianna Fail)

Skellig Michael, where monks lived, worked and prayed hundreds of years ago, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its place in the history and culture of Kerry and Ireland is undisputed but it is also vital to the local economy of south Kerry, the Iveragh Peninsula and, indeed, the whole country. It attracts visitors from all over the world, even more so since the filming of the "Star Wars" series there in recent years. It is amazing for the local economy. The landing of passengers on the island requires a licence. At present, that is confined to 15 boats carrying 12 passengers, which amounts to 180 passengers per day. Last year, temporary licences were awarded to 15 operators. I am calling for the awarding of 18 licences to get us over the impasse that is there at the moment.

1 o’clock

They would be confined to ten passengers each, keeping in line with the cap of 180, to ensure the season operates for the good of all concerned, on a one-season-only basis and with full licences to be reverted to in 2026. This is exceedingly important to bed and breakfast accommodation, guesthouses, hotels, restaurants, bars and coffee shops all over south Kerry. This needs to be resolved. Visiting the island is weather dependent.

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