ATTACK OF THE DRONES
OPW wants a ‘no-f ly zone’ over Star Wars fan favourite Skellig Michael
THE Office of Public Works is appealing for an informal ‘no-fly zone’ above Skellig Michael amid growing concern over drones being used in the skies above the historic island.
Correspondence obtained under Freedom of Information, reveals the OPW is concerned about the risk of damage to the Unesco world heritage site.
It is also worried about the risk of visitors being distracted by the drones and slipping on the famous rock’s steep stairs. And it is concerned that bird life on Skellig Michael – which featured prominently in the recent Star Wars trilogy – will be disturbed.
Internal records detail a series of drone sightings over the past year as UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) operators hoped to capture dramatic footage of the monastic site to rival its appearance in the popular Disney films.
Some of the drones are being launched from private boats circling the islands, a practice the OPW cannot control.
A note of a site visit by officials, archaeologists, and OPW Minister Patrick O’Donovan last September said there had been a ‘large number of unsanctioned drone flights over the island’.
‘Operator asked to take drone down. He was angry’
A consultant archaeologist on the trip said the toilet block on the Skelligs appeared to be a popular location from which to launch and fly the drones.
The site visit note said: ‘[Archaeologist] suggested that information signage (outlining exclusion zone) and signage to discourage drone launches should be installed at [the] toilet block.’
Handwritten reports of activity around the Skelligs detail extensive drone activity at the island, as well as frequent disputes over boats being allowed to land there.
One report from July said: ‘In addition to several other attempts for unpermitted small craft to land on Saturday, one rib with six aboard insisted on continuing beyond helipad despite refusal.
‘Another party angry at refusal on Sunday. Normal attempts at such arrivals but just very numerous this week.’
The report also described how one drone was launched from a small motorboat.
Another report on boat landings and visitor numbers from August noted: ‘Drone spotted just beyond monastery wall in front of visitors approximately 11.30am Monday. Unable to ascertain its source.
From the island or a boat?’
A Star Wars tour boat also got into trouble that month and was forced to come in for engine repairs.
A later report from August said at least one drone had been flown, and noted the presence of a swimmer being followed by a rib.
‘Drone flown by some of last visitors on Thursday,’ it noted.
‘But was impossible to identify [the] source.’
In September, more drones were spotted as well as a jet ski in the vicinity of the island. The report said: ‘Several drones flown during week – some not possible to trace.’
A subsequent note of the incident said: ‘One flown at monastery on Sunday. Operator asked to take drone down by [staff member]. He was angry, though compliant, saying he had been given permission by Fáilte Ireland.’
The OPW official said drones were not permitted on the island unless sanctioned by the National Parks and Wildlife Services. Even then, the official said, this would be allowed only in unusual circumstances.
A drone even appeared on the day Minister Patrick O’Donovan visited on September 3, according to the records.
‘Drone flown from boat just off southside of island,’ a report said. ‘Request made to bring drone down complied with.’ A spokeswoman for the OPW said: ‘The [Heritage] Service views with some alarm the unsupervised and unregulated flying of drones in the vicinity of all national monument sites and is concerned at the significant potential the activity has to cause either physical injury to persons or harm to the fabric of fragile structures.
‘Regarding Sceilg Mhichíl in particular, it is essential that a balance is maintained between tourism strategies for the region and the preservation of the site.’
The spokeswoman said a recently published action plan would work towards a ban on drones in a one-kilometre exclusion zone around the site.
‘Visitors are advised to be extra vigilant regarding their footing as the distractions and dangers posed by drones can be exacerbated in such a challenging environment,’ she said.