Safety works at Skellig Michael, the UNESCO World Heritage Site off the Kerry coast, have been completed.

The Island was hit by severe storms which resulted in a significant rock fall from the upper slopes of the Island down onto the Lighthouse Road.

Severe damage was caused to the roadway and the seaward boundary wall and there were concerns the site would not be able to open to visitors during the summer season.

Seán Canney, T.D., Minister with responsibility for the Office of Public Works and Flood Relief, said: "We were extremely happy that we could make the access road safe for visitors to pass and that this world renowned site could remain open during the busy 2016 visitor season. Up to the middle of September, some 13,500 people had visited this iconic Island whose history dates back to the sixth century."

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Some material continued to run off the upper slopes of the island, helped along by burrowing nesting birds in many cases, and Office of Public Works (OPW) staff carried out a detailed structural and geotechnical examination of the upper slopes to identify any potentially loose rocks. The examination identified a large rock on a ledge on the steep slope above the roadway just up from the landing which was judged to be potentially unstable and was monitored on a daily basis. After a full options assessment by the OPW's technical team, supported by structural engineers Malachy Walsh & Partners and the resident safety expert, the decision was taken to "pin" the rock in place using a system of stainless steel bars drilled into the rock face at the base of the rock. In addition, heavy duty stainless steel wire ties were used to restrain the upper part of the rock, anchored into bedrock on either side. The stainless steel has been wrapped with denso tape.

(CD/LM)