On Wednesday 26th March 2008 the Director of the Irish Coast Guard (IRCG) and the Chief Executive of the Commissioners of Irish Lights (CIL) signed a Service Level Agreement formalising wide cooperation between the two services over the years.

Services included in the agreement include shared use of coastal infrastructure, use of CIL ship and helicopter pads, helicopter monitoring services, radio warnings and the new Automatic Identification System (AIS).

The Commissioners of Irish Lights are the General Lighthouse Authority for all of Ireland and provide a comprehensive aids to navigation service to facilitate safe transport at sea.

The Irish Coast Guard is part of the Department of Transport and is responsible for Search & Rescue, Pollution, Casualty & Salvage Response, Marine communications network and Marine Safety Awareness.

On signing the agreement Dr. Stuart Ruttle, Chief Executive of the Commissioners of Irish Lights, said:-

"Those who work at sea and on our coasts know that the sea respects no man-made boundaries. The shared goals of the IRCG and CIL, safety of life at sea and environmental protection, have determined that we have worked closely for many years. I am delighted to sign this agreement today to formalise that cooperation and ensure it's future growth"

Director of the Irish Coast Guard Mr. Chris Reynolds added:

"This agreement is the latest link in a matrix of national agreements the Coast Guard has engaged in to further strengthen marine emergency management around the Irish coastline. We believe in using expertise where we find it and not to try to duplicate resources. Today underpins the excellent cooperation and mutual work programmes that both the IRCG and CIL have engaged in for many years. Our shared goals and understanding of the perils of the sea will make our waters a safer place to enjoy and do business on."