Star Wars
Star Wars: The Force Awakens cast members (L -R) Oscar Isaac, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, writer, director and producer J.J. Abrams, producer Kathleen Kennedy and show host Anthony Breznican appear at the kick-off event of the Star Wars Celebration convention in Anaheim, California, April 16, 2015. The Star Wars Celebration runs through April 19 at the Anaheim Convention Center. Reuters/David McNew

A new “Star Wars” film is reportedly heading back to Skellig Michael Island for production. The Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht Heather Humphreys has confirmed the news. However, it’s uncertain if the filming will be for “The Force Awakens” or “Star Wars: Episode VIII.”

RTE News reports Humphries has allowed Lucasfilm to return to the Unesco World Heritage site this month for some “Star Wars” filming. Filming at the Skellig Michael Island is expected to last between two and four days, according to BreakingNews.ie. The site further teases the production will be for Rian Johnson’s “Star Wars: Episode VIII” and not for “The Force Awakens.”

In a statement shared by BreakingNews.ie, Humphreys revealed why Disney and Lucasfilm made it the right choice to shoot the new “Star Wars” film on the island. She also expressed how the film could help bring international interests to Skellig Michael.

“Sceilg Mhichil (Skellig Michael) is one of our most dramatic and beautiful islands and it is very easy to understand why its stunning scenery has caught the attention of the makers of one of the world’s biggest film franchises. The return of Star Wars to Sceilg Mhichil is another win for Ireland and the Irish film industry, which is a growing and dynamic sector of our economy,” she said.

According to RTE News, Humphreys has also entrusted a specialist from the National Parks and Wildlife Service and the National Monuments Service to be present during the duration of the filming to ensure wildlife safety and to protect the island’s fragile archaeological environment.

Certain measures are reportedly to be put in place once the new “Star Wars” film begins production. It’s reported filming will be limited to certain areas on Skellig Michael and producers have been asked to strictly follow bio-security protocols to prevent rats from entering the island. Eight return helicopters have also been given licence to enter Skellig Michael.

Minister of State and former minister of arts Jimmy Deenihan previously also confirmed the “Star Wars” production in Skellig Michael. During his speech at the closing ceremony for the Daniel O’Connell Summer School in Derrynane in south Kerry in August, he expressed his excitement in welcoming Lucasfilm to the heritage site for the second time since its “Star Wars” films will “show what a gem Skellig Rock is to the world.”

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