Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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677. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if a series of matters relating to Skellig Michael (details supplied) will be addressed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53014/18]

Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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Skellig Michael was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1996. Since then, management of the island by my Department and the Office of Public Works has focused on protecting and preserving the outstanding universal value of the site while allowing it to be accessible to local communities and visitors to experience and enjoy its cultural and spiritual richness.

As the Deputy is aware, my Department has launched a public consultation process for a new 10 year Management Plan 2019-2029 for the World Heritage Site that will replace the current Plan dating from 2008. The public consultation process, which will be open until 18 January 2019, is an important stage in developing the new Plan, recognising the desire and responsibility of all stakeholders to work together to implement policies and deliver actions on future management arrangements for Skellig Michael.

The consultation process is open to all interested parties, including the local boatman, who are free to make submissions, either individually or collectively, on any aspect of the Plan. I would encourage everyone with an interest in Skellig Michael to submit their views and comments to my Department where they will receive full and careful consideration.