This organisation, with its origins dating back to 1786, has been providing Aids to Navigation for the safe passage of mariners for over 200 years.  The most recognised aspects of this Service are our lighthouses and buoys, but in today's world electronic Aids to Navigation are becoming predominant.

The combination of the recommendations from the independent Assessment of the Provision of Marine Aids to Navigation around the UK and Ireland, the tri-GLA Aids to Navigation Review 2010-2015, and the recently concluded international agreement to make Irish Lights entirely self-funding from revenue resources within Ireland means that we are entering a very challenging period.

The on-going introduction of new technology means our services continue to be provided in even more reliable and cost effective ways.  Many significant changes have already taken place and we will continue to implement new technology to provide safe navigation systems.

I am honoured to chair this organisation and I am confident that we will meet the challenges ahead and continue to provide a modern economic service for the benefit of all mariners around our coasts.