New hope in Skellig stand-off

TOURIST chiefs have urged officials to issue temporary permits to boat operators to resolve a dispute threatening to destroy the visitor season to Skellig Michael.

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The UNESCO world heritage site off the Co Kerry coast was closed to tourists for the scheduled start of the season over the weekend due to a legal dispute over the awarding of landing permits.

It's feared access to the spectacular monastic outpost - which featured in two Star Wars movies - is likely to remain suspended until late June due to the timing of a judicial review.

The OPW is facing separate High Court challenges from three boat operators who were unsuccessful in the recent competition run by the State body to award permits.