Skellig Michael Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan Skellig Michael to reopen this month
Sceilg Mhichíl (Skellig Michael) is set to welcome visitors back this month, with a target date of June 21 for reopening the island off the Kerry coast.
Office of Public Works crews are currently working on-site to prepare the popular destination for the reopening date, doing preparatory health and safety work.
The June 21 date is subject to the weather over the coming weeks, but the works are expected to be completed by that time.
Minister of State with responsibility for the OPW Patrick O’Donovan said it was “much-anticipated good news” in a statement.
Minister O’Donovan said “I myself look forward to visiting this unique UNESCO World Heritage Site soon and I hope that weather conditions will allow OPW staff to complete the required preparatory works so the reopening can go ahead on 21 June.
“Thanks to the progress we have made on the path to recovery, we will have the opportunity to discover and enjoy national treasures such as these over the coming months.”
Govt welcomes NESC report on digital inclusion
The Government has welcomed a report from the National Economic and Social Council (NESC) on digital inclusion titled Digital Inclusion in Ireland: Connectivity, Devices & Skills.
The report focuses on digital inclusion: the importance of ensuring that everyone can confidently and safely access the digital world as employment, training and other ways of life move increasingly online.
The report suggests that aiming for full digital inclusion is the next logical step to build on Ireland’s large investment in broadband connectivity, and in e-government.
While there are strategies to support digital inclusion in Ireland, the NESC report argues that stronger supports are needed.
It recommends that Ireland: develop a national strategy for digital inclusion; create a comprehensive framework for digital skills progression; support digital inclusion at community level; deliver targeted supports for material access to key groups; enhance guidance for digital and assisted-digital public services, and provide non-digital access.
Half a million people without water in DRC – MSF
500,000 people in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have been left without clean drinking water after a volcano erupted, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has warned.
It says because cholera is endemic and poses a great threat there is an urgent need to provide people in the eastern city of Goma with safe drinking water.
A reservoir and pipes were damaged when Mount Nyiragongo erupted May 22.
“We are assisting the immediate needs of displaced people, but it is not enough,” said Magali Roudaut, MSF head of mission in DRC.
“We demand urgent support of other humanitarian organisations to assist people.”