Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 10 April 2025
178. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform to review an appeal by a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18251/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraSkellig Michael is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in State Ownership. The conservation and presentation of the island is the responsibility of the Office of Public Works (OPW).
The OPW manages access to the Island by way of a boat landing permit system whereby a specific number of boat operators are granted permits to carry visitors to the Island.
The OPW is currently engaged in an open competition via the e-Tenders system to award permits to fifteen boat operators. Successful tenderers, subject to compliance with necessary Terms and Conditions, will be awarded a permit for a maximum of five consecutive seasons.
The invitation to tender for the boat permits was uploaded on e-tenders on the 12th December, 2024 and the evaluation has been completed in recent weeks. The Office of Public Works issued notifications regarding the results of the competition to all applicants on Thursday 27th March, 2025. As the competition is ongoing, the OPW is not in a position to comment further at this time.
