Letter from the Chief Executive
LAST YEAR I imagined that I would be writing this year's
letter in my new office in Dun Laoghaire; however, despite all the
best efforts of our design team, our building contractors, and our
own project management team, the completion of the new premises has
been delayed and the plan now is to move into our new landmark
building on 28 January 2008.
It has been an eventful year.
The General Lighthouses Authorities published a joint GLA Radio Navigation Plan in May 2007. The concept of e-Navigation has gathered momentum and the development of an e-Navigation strategy is being widely discussed by users, providers, and regulators and at IALA and IMO. The GLA's new eLoran transmitter at Anthorn in Cumbria began test transmissions in October 2007. Northern Lighthouse Board and Trinity House took delivery of their new vessels NLV Pharos and THV Galatea during 2007; these vessels are based on the innovative ILV Granuaile design and we wish them success and safe passage.
The Bolkow 105 helicopter has provided sterling service to Irish Lights for many years, but time moves on and I am delighted that a contract has recently been completed for the provision of helicopter services using a new-generation helicopter, the Eurocopter 135, from the end of 2008.
The development of the superbuoy came to fruition when it was deployed along with two first class cardinal buoys, all equipped with automatic identification system aids to navigation, in a buoyage scheme to replace the Coningbeg Lightvessel off the Saltee Islands in February.
The new Corporate Services Department, covering the areas of finance, human resources, procurement, and legal and insurance matters was formed in January 2007. An Employee Well-Being Programme was launched providing confidential independent advice, support, and assistance on matters impacting on employees' work or personal life.
On 1 April 2008 John Kidney will take over as Chairman of the Board following the completion of Frank Boland's term in office. I would like to acknowledge the invaluable contribution that Mr Boland has made to Irish Lights at a time of great change, and especially for his expertise and advice as our new headquarters was being built and during the disposal of our Lower Pembroke Street office. I wish Mr Kidney well in his new role as we integrate our operations in our new headquarters and the challenges that this will bring.
The work of the Service has continued unabated despite the disruption, and once again I wish to acknowledge the dedication and patience of our employees while all these changes are taking place. We can now see the light at the end of the tunnel and our move from Pembroke Street to Dun Laoghaire will mark the beginning of a new era in the Service. The commitment and support of the Commissioners has been invaluable throughout.
Challenges facing the Service in the next three years are many and wide-ranging. As we take up residence in our new headquarters we will build on the advances that have been made over the last number of years and exploit the advantages provided in moving into a state of the art and fit for purpose facility.
I wish you and your families all the best for 2008
The General Lighthouses Authorities published a joint GLA Radio Navigation Plan in May 2007. The concept of e-Navigation has gathered momentum and the development of an e-Navigation strategy is being widely discussed by users, providers, and regulators and at IALA and IMO. The GLA's new eLoran transmitter at Anthorn in Cumbria began test transmissions in October 2007. Northern Lighthouse Board and Trinity House took delivery of their new vessels NLV Pharos and THV Galatea during 2007; these vessels are based on the innovative ILV Granuaile design and we wish them success and safe passage.
The Bolkow 105 helicopter has provided sterling service to Irish Lights for many years, but time moves on and I am delighted that a contract has recently been completed for the provision of helicopter services using a new-generation helicopter, the Eurocopter 135, from the end of 2008.
The development of the superbuoy came to fruition when it was deployed along with two first class cardinal buoys, all equipped with automatic identification system aids to navigation, in a buoyage scheme to replace the Coningbeg Lightvessel off the Saltee Islands in February.
The new Corporate Services Department, covering the areas of finance, human resources, procurement, and legal and insurance matters was formed in January 2007. An Employee Well-Being Programme was launched providing confidential independent advice, support, and assistance on matters impacting on employees' work or personal life.
On 1 April 2008 John Kidney will take over as Chairman of the Board following the completion of Frank Boland's term in office. I would like to acknowledge the invaluable contribution that Mr Boland has made to Irish Lights at a time of great change, and especially for his expertise and advice as our new headquarters was being built and during the disposal of our Lower Pembroke Street office. I wish Mr Kidney well in his new role as we integrate our operations in our new headquarters and the challenges that this will bring.
The work of the Service has continued unabated despite the disruption, and once again I wish to acknowledge the dedication and patience of our employees while all these changes are taking place. We can now see the light at the end of the tunnel and our move from Pembroke Street to Dun Laoghaire will mark the beginning of a new era in the Service. The commitment and support of the Commissioners has been invaluable throughout.
Challenges facing the Service in the next three years are many and wide-ranging. As we take up residence in our new headquarters we will build on the advances that have been made over the last number of years and exploit the advantages provided in moving into a state of the art and fit for purpose facility.
I wish you and your families all the best for 2008
Stuart Ruttle,
Chief Executive.