2016-05-03 · Kerry
Skellig Michael permit row returns before court
Sean Feehan, operator of passenger boats to Skellig Michael, has challenged the Office of Public Works (OPW) in the High Court, arguing that the revocation of his two permits is unlawful and breaches his constitutional rights. Feehan, who has run the 'Pace Arrow' and 'Naughty Lady' from Ballinskelligs since 1980, claims the OPW's decision is unfair and seeks declarations that the revocation is invalid. The OPW, citing safety concerns, revoked the permits following Feehan's 2015 convictions under the Merchant Shipping Act for operating vessels in a manner that could endanger passengers, operating without an appropriate licence, and failing to ensure a qualified master. The OPW also cited incidents in 2012 and a total fine of €850. Feehan's lawyers requested that the injunction preventing the OPW from issuing new permits and the order allowing him to land passengers remain in place pending the full hearing. The case is set to continue before Mr Justice Anthony O'Connor.