Letter from the Chief Executive
Developments in world shipping and transport are moving at an
ever increasing pace and the year 2004 has been no exception. Radio
navigation and information systems are now an essential part of
ship management with the introduction of mandatory carriage on
board vessels in the USA of ecdis (electronic chart display and
information system) by 2007.
Irish Lights has already tested this technology on ILV Granuaile and also is undertaking a €1m feasibility study on the introduction of AIS (automatic identification systems) technology as an aid to navigation for shipping. As additional radio satellite navigation systems such as Gallileo are commissioned the Commissioners of Irish Lights are well positioned to assess the impact of these new developments as they occur. It is reassuring to know that the role of traditional lights and buoys continues to be an essential part of the total aids to navigation menu.
Irish Lights itself is undergoing a process of change with the consolidation of operations on the Dun Laoghaire site. Planning permission was granted by Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council to the new buildings described in last year's Beam. In parallel, a business process review of Irish Lights operations is being undertaken to ensure that the organisation structure remains appropriate to meet the future needs of the Service.
In 2005 Mr Frank Boland will take over as Chairman of the Board following the completion of Mr Terence Johnson's term in office. I would like to acknowledge the major contribution of Mr Johnson to the development of our Service and to wish his successor well in his term. It will be a period of great change for Irish Lights.
During 2004 Mr Richie Ryan retired as a Commissioner of Irish Lights. He was by far the longest serving member of the Board and his wide knowledge and experience of many matters-legal, financial, and political, in particular-were of great benefit to this Service.
As I retire in March 2005 this will be my last Letter from the Chief Executive. I would like to use this opportunity to say how much I have enjoyed working in this forward-looking organisation; to thank all the people within Irish Lights and in other organisations I have worked with over many years; and to wish my successor well for the future.
I wish you all a very happy Christmas and best wishes for 2005.
T.M. Boyd
Chief Executive
Irish Lights has already tested this technology on ILV Granuaile and also is undertaking a €1m feasibility study on the introduction of AIS (automatic identification systems) technology as an aid to navigation for shipping. As additional radio satellite navigation systems such as Gallileo are commissioned the Commissioners of Irish Lights are well positioned to assess the impact of these new developments as they occur. It is reassuring to know that the role of traditional lights and buoys continues to be an essential part of the total aids to navigation menu.
Irish Lights itself is undergoing a process of change with the consolidation of operations on the Dun Laoghaire site. Planning permission was granted by Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council to the new buildings described in last year's Beam. In parallel, a business process review of Irish Lights operations is being undertaken to ensure that the organisation structure remains appropriate to meet the future needs of the Service.
In 2005 Mr Frank Boland will take over as Chairman of the Board following the completion of Mr Terence Johnson's term in office. I would like to acknowledge the major contribution of Mr Johnson to the development of our Service and to wish his successor well in his term. It will be a period of great change for Irish Lights.
During 2004 Mr Richie Ryan retired as a Commissioner of Irish Lights. He was by far the longest serving member of the Board and his wide knowledge and experience of many matters-legal, financial, and political, in particular-were of great benefit to this Service.
As I retire in March 2005 this will be my last Letter from the Chief Executive. I would like to use this opportunity to say how much I have enjoyed working in this forward-looking organisation; to thank all the people within Irish Lights and in other organisations I have worked with over many years; and to wish my successor well for the future.
I wish you all a very happy Christmas and best wishes for 2005.
T.M. Boyd
Chief Executive