Micheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)

First, I thank Deputy Cahill, who has been raising the issue of the UNESCO world heritage site of Sceilg Mhichíl persistently. As he knows, the Office of Public Works conserves and manages the UNESCO site.

The boat permit system was originally introduced to improve health and safety on the journey to and during visitation of the island. In December 2024, the OPW advertised a competition via the e-tenders system to award 15 permits for a five-year period. This process concluded in April 2025. Two unsuccessful applicants initiated High Court proceedings challenging the outcome and on 8 May a third unsuccessful applicant launched a further challenge. I would hope common sense would prevail here, the original decisions would be allowed to take their course and people would be allowed to take visitors out to Sceilg Mhichíl. It is very disappointing for visitors to the Iveragh Peninsula, many of whom come to visit Sceilg Mhichíl only to discover they cannot.

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