Guides on Skellig Michael are concerned about lack of consultation over the decision to re-open to visitors from June 21st.
As The Times Ireland edition reports, guides employed by the Office of Public Works (OPW) are concerned about the manner in which the re-opening was announced.
They also fear the OPW has not taken adequate steps to limit visitor numbers in the light of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Unesco world heritage site was closed to all visitors last year due to the health and safety considerations linked to Covid-19, and the fact that a serious rockfall occurred last July near the guide accommodation – in which no one was injured.
Early last week, Minister of State with responsibility for the OPW Patrick O’Donovan confirmed a target date of June 21st for this season’s re-opening.
He said it would be subject to weather conditions, and completion of preparatory health and safety works by OPW crews.
However, guides understood that health and safety consultations with management were still taking place when he made his announcement.
"It’s not at all safe,” a source close to the guides confirmed.
“There was no guide representative involved or consulted before they made the decision to open, and critical agreements were made with boatmen - although it is the guides who have the job of managing visitor safety and being first responders in the complex circumstances of this season,” the source said.
“The whole industry around the Skellig depends on the role of the guides in the front line of the island, and the lack of consideration for both guides and visitors is unforgivable," the source added.
Donal McCrohan, chairman of the Skellig Boatmen’s Association, said that the 15 licensed operators serving Skellig Michael have been informed they can take their maximum of 12 passengers.
He said the fleet based mainly in Portmagee and several other Kerry harbours has been preparing its own safety protocols in conjunction with an industry professional.
McCrohan, who runs Skellig Coast Adventures, said that ferry trips were outdoors where the ventilation rate would be “exceptional”.
He said that passengers would be required to complete a Covid-19 questionnaire.
McCrohan said that though bookings were brisk, there was still very good availability, and prices for his trips were retained at 2019 levels.
The OPW said it had “set a target date of June 21st to reopen Skellig Michael to visitors, and this is subject to all preparatory works on the site being completed in time”.
“A health and safety plan for reopening is not yet complete and engagement with all concerned parties is currently under way,” it said.
“ OPW has also advised the local boatmen who carry visitors to the island of the target date. While the boatmen are licensed to land on the island, health and safety arrangements on the boats are entirely a matter for the boat operators,” the OPW added.
Read The Times here