Written answers

Tuesday, 22 September 2015

Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

National Monuments

Photo of Ruth CoppingerRuth Coppinger (Dublin West, Socialist Party)
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1691. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the measures her Department has taken to ensure that the UNESCO world heritage site Sceilig Mhichíl is not disturbed in any way during filming by a corporation (details supplied). [31349/15]

Photo of Ruth CoppingerRuth Coppinger (Dublin West, Socialist Party)
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1692. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the rationale behind granting a company (details supplied) permission to film at the UNESCO world heritage site Sceilig Mhichíl; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31350/15]

Photo of Ruth CoppingerRuth Coppinger (Dublin West, Socialist Party)
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1693. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will report on any costs to her Department or any agencies under her Department relating to the filming by a company (details supplied) at the UNESCO world heritage site Sceilig Mhichíl. [31351/15]

Photo of Heather HumphreysHeather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 1691 to 1693, inclusive, together.

In considering the request of the film company referred to, which is the maker of one of the world’s biggest film franchises, for consent to carry out filming on Skellig Michael, I have balanced the positive benefit it will reap for the Irish film industry and the South Kerry region with the need to ensure that the island’s unique environment and wildlife is fully protected.

Stringent ecological and environmental safeguards and mitigation measures were put in place by my Department and the OPW to ensure that the site was fully protected during filming. These safeguards included an Ecological and Screening Assessment of the proposed film work, as well as stringent bio-security protocols. Specialist staff were on site at all times to supervise the filming activity and to ensure there were no negative impacts on the island, its wildlife, habitat or built heritage. A condition of the consent is that the salary costs and expenses of my Department’s staff will be met by the film company.

My decision to grant consent in this case was notified to UNESCO and the European Commission and neither body has indicated any issues with the process and its outcome. I am satisfied that this is an excellent example of how film-making can operate in harmony with environmental protection, providing that all necessary safeguards are in place, allowing us to showcase our unique cultural and heritage to a global audience.

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