The Engineering Projects Group is pleased to announce the establishment of a new solar powered light at Tern Island (also known as mini Slyne Head) in accordance with Notice to Mariners No 999 (2003), see inside back cover. Service personnel established the new light on 24 February 2003 and, so far, availability figures of 100% have been achieved making it possibly our most reliable aid to navigation.
The lighthouse, first established by Lightkeeper Gerry Rohu when stationed at Slyne Head in the 1960s, complete with tower, outbuildings, boat landing, derrick, etc is a major aid to navigation on the west coast of Ireland and is known to have saved many ships from disaster on the treacherous rocks around Tern Island, the only 'Rock in a Lake on a Rock' on the coast.
As part of the solarisation project, a new battery room was constructed, complete with a roof mounted solar array, and a new lantern room and led optic were installed. Although not synchronised with the nearby Slyne Head Lighthouse, the character is identical and is clearly visible, after dark, from the Slyne Head compound. It is rumoured that full synchronisation along with rcms monitoring is under consideration.
Experienced Lighthouse Keeper and Tern Island Attendant, Seán Faherty (who also happens to look after the nearby Slyne Head Lighthouse when not engaged with his Tern Island duties) pronounced it the best light on the coast, and expressed concern that the intensity of the beam would frighten wildlife in the area. Legal advice is being sought as to whether planning permission for the lighthouse is required.
Engineering Safety Manager John Bradley is understood to be concerned that the new battery room may constitute a confined space and pointed out that under the Health and Safety Act all personnel working on lighthouse towers must wear a safety harness.
Credit is due to the project team for the job, including Paul Gilligan (flasher design), P.P. Mooney (solar array), Jim Murphy and Bill Kelly (on-site installation) and Seán Faherty (Tern Island Attendant).
All work, using obsolete materials, was carried out during lunch times, allowing the project to be completed on time and within budget.



No. 999 (2003)
COMMISSIONERS OF IRISH LIGHTS

NOTICE TO MARINERS

West Coast of Ireland

Tern Island (Mini Slyne Head) Lighthouse
Notice of Establishment of New Solar Electric Light

Irish Lights Office,
16 Lower Pembroke Street,
Dublin 2.

29th February 2003

The Commissioners of Irish Lights hereby give notice that on Monday 24th February 2003, or as soon thereafter as circumstances permit, a new solar powered electric light will be established at the previously unlit lighthouse at Tern Island, inner lake, Slyne Head.



The position, character, phasing and lighting times of the new light are as follows:

TERN ISLAND
Position 53° 24.0' N 10° 14.0' W
Character Fl (2) W 15s (fl 0.1, ec 2.4, fl 0.1, ec 12.4 = 15s)
(as per main Slyne Head Light)
Range 300 nautical metres
Lighting Time 24 hour
Synchronised No
Height above MHWS 500mm
Sectors Visible from main lighthouse compound and path.
Obscured to seaward. Structure 300mm lighthouse tower. White with red band

All other details remain unchanged.

A Radio Navigational Warning will be issued when the above changes have taken place.

By Order.



Previous Notice No. 998 (2003).
Marine Department Contact Numbers: Phone: +353-1-6321931 (During Office hours)
+353-1-2801996 (24 hour number)
Fax: +353-1-6321946
Email: marine@cil.ie
Website: www.cil.ie