Dr Connie Kelleher of the National Monuments Service said Skellig Michael was a unique site where there was a delicate balance that was vulnerable to the elements.

Earlier this month, the judge granted an application by the OPW to lift an automatic suspension on landing at the island, which was used as a film location for the Star Wars movies, The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi.

Mr Justice Garrett Simons granted an application by the Office of Public Works (OPW) to lift an automatic suspension on landing at the Unesco heritage site and former monastic island

A High Court judge has given "top priority" for a case involving the granting of boat permits to ferry people to Skellig Michael