In line with continuing changes in the operation and management of the Irish Lighthouse Service, this year Beam itself has a new look, and its production has been assisted by the generous sponsorship of several companies.

During the year the ongoing saga of the Irish Loran-C station appeared in the national press on a number of occasions. Although the project is consistent with the International Maritime Organisation and European Union policies of providing accurate world wide open radionavigation systems freely available to all mariners, it has been necessary to proceed step by step through the full planning and court procedures to bring the project into operation. The remainder of the North West European Loran System has been completed, as has the corresponding system in the Far East. The Commissioners hope that the Irish Loran-C station will be in place soon.

At the end of this year five of our senior Commissioners are due to retire from the Board. Mr J. P. Jameson, Mr L. D. G. Collen, Mr R. R. Stewart, Mr T. Sheppard and Lord Cooke of Islandreagh have all given exceptional commitment and expert direction to the Service over many years. Regrettably, they now retire on age grounds as Commissioners of Irish Lights. From 1996 the Board of Commissioners will number 16, including 4 Dublin Corporation representatives.

In December 1995 Mr John Gore-Grimes completes his three year term as Chairman. As many of you know from personal experience, the energy, commitment and interest shown by Mr Gore-Grimes has been quite exceptional. His knowledge and expert contributions to the direction of the Service has been very significant, as has been his vision for the future well-being of the organisation. He will be followed in 1996 in the Chairmanship by Mr Michael O'Neill. We wish him well in his period in office.

During November the three General Lighthouse Authorities published a joint consultative document on Aids to Navigation into the 21st Century. This document is included in this edition of Beam. It is intended to consult widely with the Maritime Community in Ireland and the UK and to compile responses for Government Ministers.

With the automation of Hook Point and Mew Island Lighthouses in April next, only one manned station, the Baily, will remain on the Irish coast. Baily Lighthouse is of special significance in the history of the Service. It now has very extensive accommodation and it is hoped this will be put to good use.

ILT Granuaile is 25 years old and, although in many ways she is still in excellent condition, the need to plan for her replacement is now here, and serious work is in progress. Although the principal of inter-General Lighthouse Authority ship co-operation has been established and has been put into practice, the need to retain the capability to service our own aids to navigation is a fundamental requirement.

The Commissioners appreciate the continuing dedication of all employees. Standards remain high despite the significant reduction in the number of employees in recent years. Change is an ongoing process and the aim of the Commissioners of Irish Lights is to continue to offer the mariner a Marine Aids to Navigation service second to none.

New systems of ship navigation and surveillance are being introduced in many countries. Vessel Traffic Systems, and Electronic Display and Information Systems are developing rapidly. The 21st century systems are here now. We look forward to contributing to their success.

I wish you all a Very Happy Christmas and Best Wishes for 1996.

T. M. Boyd Chief Executive. A Letter from the Chief Executive