Planning permission granted for Kerry observatory

Planning permission has been granted for a “small observatory” to look into the galaxy from South Kerry – Ireland’s first dark sky reserve, and co-incidentally the current setting for a scene for Star Wars.

The small domed structure, which from drawings lodged with Kerry County Council earlier this year is not unlike the character R2-D2 and it will sit on Geokaun mountain on Valentia Island .

Like the little robot, it will have a “rotating” dome, and sliding shutter panels to allow star gazers look at the stars over Skellig Michael the actual location of the film shoot.

Measuring just 2. 7 metres from ground to sky, it will be on a viewing point at Feaghmaan West near the Fogher Cliffs on the lands of Bernie and Muiris O’Donoghue.

The observatory is also in the centre of the International Dark Sky Reserve of South Kerry running from the MacGillycuddy’s reeks near Cahersiveen to the Skelligs and south to Waterville.

It was given gold tier status because of its pristine skies and is one of only three areas in the world with such status .

An Taisce, the only body to make an observation, has stressed that the small dome must “blend in” and will have to be “neutral” – but only in terms of colour.

An appeal is thought unlikely.