Boat trips landing at Skellig Michael are expected to resume on Saturday, weather permitting, after the High Court gave the go-ahead for landings.
The UNESCO World Heritage site off the South Kerry coast was due to reopen on May 10th, but landing permits have yet to be issued after a legal dispute.
Only tours around the island have been going ahead.
Today, Mr Justice Garrett Simons granted an application by the Office of Public Works (OPW) to lift an automatic suspension on landing on the historic island.
Boat landings to Sceilg Mhichíl were delayed last month, following a legal challenge from boat operators who were unsuccessful in the competition by the Office of Public Works for landing permits.
The Office of Public Works sought permission from the High Court to issue landing permits to the 15 successful applicants, while the legal challenges from other operators are ongoing.
Mr Justice Simons today ordered that the OPW can issue permits to successful tenderers for the balance of the 2025 season.
The OPW has welcomed this, and says it will be in contact with boat operators and boat trips to the island are expected to begin again on Saturday, subject to weather conditions.
Today’s ruling has been welcomed by Minister of State Michael Healy-Rae, who described it as a huge relief for the local community and tourism sector.
Minister for Children Norma Foley is calling for the landing season to be extended beyond September, given the time that boat operators have missed out on so far.
Fellow Kerry TD Michael Cahill says this is huge for the entire county of Kerry.
