A NEW REPORT has warned that the monastic structures at Skellig Michael could be at risk of collapse due to heavy rain and damage from water and wind.

The report on protecting Skellig Michael, also known as Sceilg Mhichíl, also notes that the history of the site has been “one of subsidence and collapse in places”.

Since 2018, survey observations have shown an annual shift of 5mm and more in the retaining wall below St Michael’s Church.

The National Monuments Service and the Office of Public Works (OPW), in partnership with National Geographic Society’s Preserving Legacies Project, today launched the Climate Vulnerability Assessment Report on potential future risks to Sceilg Mhichíl.

Sceilg Mhichíl was one of ten World Heritage Properties selected to be part of the first National Geographic-funded ‘Preserving Legacies’ Project.

The aim of the project is to “empower every community to safeguard their cultural and natural heritage against climate change impacts”.

Skellig Michael Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo

Among the key priorities arising from the report is the need to reduce the risk to monastic structures.

However, the report found that management measures taken so far to address the impacts of climate change have so far helped to reduce risks and improve conservation needs.

The site is also one of Ireland’s most important sites for breeding seabirds.

Bit increased sea water temperatures is impacting upon the availability of food for breeding colonies.

Anecdotally, puffins have been noted in some years coming in with pipe fish as opposed to sea sprats, which are harder for chicks to eat.

It’s also warned that increased storms due to climate change could impact migration patterns.

Loss of food sources and habitats for the bird population are issues that are difficult to address and therefore have been evaluated in the report as “urgent”.

Sceilg Mhichíl is a UNESCO World Heritage Property and was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1996.

It is one of Ireland’s two World Heritage properties, with Brú na Bóinne in Co Meath being the other.

The Skellig Rocks, Sceilg Mhichíl (also known as Great Skellig) and Little Skellig (Sceilg Beag), are towering sea crags rising from the Atlantic Ocean almost 12 kilometres west of the Ivereagh Peninsula in Co Kerry.

The assessment for the report was undertaken throughout 2023/2024 and involved contributions from both technical experts and the local community.

Minister of State for Heritage, Nature and Biodiversity Christopher O’Sullivan said he is “honoured to have Sceilg Mhichíl included in the National Geographic Preserving Legacies project”.

He said the report shows that State interventions have helped to protect the site, which is exposed to the weather conditions of the Atlantic.

“However, we cannot be complacent and we will use the findings of this report, working with the community, to ensure the continued protection of this World Heritage Property and National Monument,” said O’Sullivan.