Another significant rockfall has occurred at the Skellig Michael site in Co Kerry, the Office of Public Works (OPW) has revealed.

In a statement, the organisation said that a "large amount of material" had been deposited from upper slopes onto the roadway in an area which is "vital to the OPW operation on the island."

The rockfall was discovered earlier this month when OPW staff arrived at the Unesco World Heritage site to conduct pre-season maintenance works and safety checks before the scheduled opening to visitors in mid-May.

Rocks, shale and other debris material was discovered on the island's Lighthouse Road, close to the accommodation huts maintained on the island for use during the summer by the OPW's conservation works staff.

-- Advertisement --

The accommodation consists of a number of lightweight prefabricated structures which are used during the season when the island is open to visitors. It is understood none of the huts were damaged by the falling rocks, but the debris landed close enough to cause concern.

Grellan Rourke, OPW's Senior Conservation Architect for Skellig Michael, said: "It is frequently problematic to get to the site in April. We would normally expect to have to deal with some level of winter storm damage and our staff usually have to do a good deal of clean-up work before the site is ready for visitors, but the level of rockfall we have encountered this year is highly exceptional and, because of where it has come down, deeply worrying indeed.

"Some of the material is very large and would definitely have caused severe damage to the structures had they been hit directly. It's quite clear that, had these rocks come down directly on top of the huts, there would have been a significant threat to anyone inside."

The OPW has said that the location involved is part of the site's service area and is not directly accessible normally by visitors; however, it is of concern because of its nearness to an important staff circulation zone.

The organisation has also said it is too early to know if the island's planned opening date of 14 May is still achievable.

Image: Office of Public Works.

(JP/LM)