Letter from the Chief Executive
It is surprising to those who are familiar with the work of
the Commissioners of Irish Lights to discover that very many
members of the public have little idea about the functions of our
Service.
During 1996 we have been addressing this problem. Many of you
will have seen our booklet For the Safety of All which was
published in April. Two open days were held on ilt Granuaile, and
stands were mounted at two exhibitions in Dublin. All have
generated a high level of interest in our work.
Perhaps it is appropriate to remind ourselves that Irish Lights is primarily engaged in accident prevention, and all our priorities are focused on providing effective and reliable Aids to Navigation to achieve this objective.
The early part of 1996 was a frustrating and difficult time for the Commissioners, with a series of court cases involving the interpretation of Statute Law. These cases have been in progress for over two years and, at the time of writing, one case continues. As a consequence of these delays, the North European Loran-C System is incomplete and the European Commission's objective of providing mariners and aviators with a better and more secure radio positioning system utilising integrated receivers for GPS (satellite) and Loran-C signals has not yet been achieved.
Lighthouse automation marches on, and the final major automation project is almost complete at the Baily. As this will bring to an end the era of full time manned lighthouses, it is intended to mark the occasion with a special event for Lighthouse Keepers.
The consultations following the publication of the General Lighthouse Authorities' document Marine Aids to Navigation into the 21st Century have been completed and proposals, based on the report and consultation process, have been forwarded to the Irish and UK Governments.
Co-operation with Trinity House Lighthouse Service and the Northern Lighthouse Board continues satisfactorily. All three Services benefit from this process which is designed to increase mutual support and improve efficiency in the General Lighthouse Authorities.
We look forward to 1997 with confidence that the services provided by the Commissioners of Irish Lights will continue at the high standard maintained by generations of employees in salutem omnium.
I wish you all a very Happy Christmas and Best Wishes for 1997.
T. M. BOYD
Chief Executive
Perhaps it is appropriate to remind ourselves that Irish Lights is primarily engaged in accident prevention, and all our priorities are focused on providing effective and reliable Aids to Navigation to achieve this objective.
The early part of 1996 was a frustrating and difficult time for the Commissioners, with a series of court cases involving the interpretation of Statute Law. These cases have been in progress for over two years and, at the time of writing, one case continues. As a consequence of these delays, the North European Loran-C System is incomplete and the European Commission's objective of providing mariners and aviators with a better and more secure radio positioning system utilising integrated receivers for GPS (satellite) and Loran-C signals has not yet been achieved.
Lighthouse automation marches on, and the final major automation project is almost complete at the Baily. As this will bring to an end the era of full time manned lighthouses, it is intended to mark the occasion with a special event for Lighthouse Keepers.
The consultations following the publication of the General Lighthouse Authorities' document Marine Aids to Navigation into the 21st Century have been completed and proposals, based on the report and consultation process, have been forwarded to the Irish and UK Governments.
Co-operation with Trinity House Lighthouse Service and the Northern Lighthouse Board continues satisfactorily. All three Services benefit from this process which is designed to increase mutual support and improve efficiency in the General Lighthouse Authorities.
We look forward to 1997 with confidence that the services provided by the Commissioners of Irish Lights will continue at the high standard maintained by generations of employees in salutem omnium.
I wish you all a very Happy Christmas and Best Wishes for 1997.
T. M. BOYD
Chief Executive