Letter from the Chief Executive
The world of navigation continues to change at a considerable
pace, as satellites and electronic systems become a central part of
the world-wide system of marine aids to navigation. Electronic
charts and radio based positioning accuracy of less than 10 metres
are now a reality in the approaches to most of the major ports of
the world. Irish Lights has been in the vanguard in providing these
precision systems.
There remains a real concern over the vulnerability of the United States' gps satellite system to various threats. Consequently, sole reliance on gps must be considered an imprudent policy. It is now almost certain that the USA will abandon her policy of relying on gps as a sole means of navigation, while we in Europe await Gallileo as an urgently needed alternative satellite system. We may yet find that the low cost, but out of favour, Eurofix project-which combines Loran-C and satellite data, resulting in a hybrid system with greater accuracy, availability, and integrity-has an important role in Europe. We hope that the improvement in September 2001 to our differential Global Positioning System (dgps) service will provide full coverage in all Irish and UK waters.
Solarisation of lights and developments with Light Emitting Diodes (led) are changing traditional lighthouse technology. Renewable energy systems and new low-power aids to navigation, combined with Automatic Identification Systems (ais) for ships, will soon bring significant changes.
In recognition of inevitable change the Service has embarked on a policy of preserving our lighthouse heritage as far as possible, while fully embracing new navigation technology. This year President Mary McAleese opened the new Hook Head Heritage Centre in Co. Wexford. Nine lighthouse buildings are being restored by the Irish Landmark Trust and will be available to rent. A Lighthouse Museum has been established at the Baily and the historic marine photographs taken by Sir Robert Ball, Scientific Advisor to the Commissioners from 1882, have been donated to the National Photographic Archive and will be published in the near future.
Changes in Dun Laoghaire are obvious to all who have seen the impressive new marina. The marina is a mixed blessing for Irish Lights as the much improved shelter from north-east storms is somewhat offset by the proximity of the boats. The reorganisation of engineering maintenance and the possible redevelopment of the Lighthouse Depot site are ongoing projects for the future.
During the year we saw the retirement of some long serving members of the Service. In particular, I mention Richard Gully who retired as Head of Personnel and Administration after serving in Irish Lights for forty two years. We wish him and all who retired this year the very best in the future.
In 2001 we welcomed three new Commissioners, as well as the new Lord Mayor of Dublin, to the Board of Irish Lights. The Service continues to operate under the leadership of the Commissioners, with very slow progress being made in resolving the complicated problems of integrating Irish Lights into the Foyle, Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission. I wish you all a very happy Christmas and best wishes for the year 2002.
T. M. Boyd
Chief Executive
There remains a real concern over the vulnerability of the United States' gps satellite system to various threats. Consequently, sole reliance on gps must be considered an imprudent policy. It is now almost certain that the USA will abandon her policy of relying on gps as a sole means of navigation, while we in Europe await Gallileo as an urgently needed alternative satellite system. We may yet find that the low cost, but out of favour, Eurofix project-which combines Loran-C and satellite data, resulting in a hybrid system with greater accuracy, availability, and integrity-has an important role in Europe. We hope that the improvement in September 2001 to our differential Global Positioning System (dgps) service will provide full coverage in all Irish and UK waters.
Solarisation of lights and developments with Light Emitting Diodes (led) are changing traditional lighthouse technology. Renewable energy systems and new low-power aids to navigation, combined with Automatic Identification Systems (ais) for ships, will soon bring significant changes.
In recognition of inevitable change the Service has embarked on a policy of preserving our lighthouse heritage as far as possible, while fully embracing new navigation technology. This year President Mary McAleese opened the new Hook Head Heritage Centre in Co. Wexford. Nine lighthouse buildings are being restored by the Irish Landmark Trust and will be available to rent. A Lighthouse Museum has been established at the Baily and the historic marine photographs taken by Sir Robert Ball, Scientific Advisor to the Commissioners from 1882, have been donated to the National Photographic Archive and will be published in the near future.
Changes in Dun Laoghaire are obvious to all who have seen the impressive new marina. The marina is a mixed blessing for Irish Lights as the much improved shelter from north-east storms is somewhat offset by the proximity of the boats. The reorganisation of engineering maintenance and the possible redevelopment of the Lighthouse Depot site are ongoing projects for the future.
During the year we saw the retirement of some long serving members of the Service. In particular, I mention Richard Gully who retired as Head of Personnel and Administration after serving in Irish Lights for forty two years. We wish him and all who retired this year the very best in the future.
In 2001 we welcomed three new Commissioners, as well as the new Lord Mayor of Dublin, to the Board of Irish Lights. The Service continues to operate under the leadership of the Commissioners, with very slow progress being made in resolving the complicated problems of integrating Irish Lights into the Foyle, Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission. I wish you all a very happy Christmas and best wishes for the year 2002.
T. M. Boyd
Chief Executive