Star Wars: Unesco asks for report on Skellig Michael shoot
Unesco, the international culture and heritage agency, has asked the Irish government for a report on the use of an island for a Star Wars film
Parts of Star Wars Episode VII are being filmed on Skellig Michael.
The Unesco World Heritage Site is home to puffins, manx shearwaters, storm petrels, guillemots and kittiwakes.
Roni Amelan, of Unesco headquarters in Paris, said they want information about the preservation of the site and particularly any impact on wildlife.
Mr Newton said he was asked by the film producers only days before shooting was to begin if he would help them with an impact assessment to secure permits for filming.
He refused, arguing it would take several weeks to assess, as many of the species breed underground or in rocky crevices where it would be difficult to see what damage is being done.
The conservationist said the island has been "hijacked" for the shoot that is expected to last several days.
He has demanded that Heritage Minister Heather Humphreys publish the expert advice she received before signing off on the necessary consents for the use of Skellig Michael.
The film agency said experts are on the island during the shoot and have the authority to intervene if they suspect any impact on the habitat and wildlife.