From the Chief Executive
The past year has been one of great turmoil in the world's economic climate. The financial downturn has had a major adverse affect on international sea trade and the shipping industry worldwide. We in Irish Lights are very conscious of the burden of light dues on ship owners and have continued to examine our cost base, review our manpower requirements and structures, and with our sister General Lighthouse Authorities (GLA), Northern Lighthouse Board and Trinity House, have continued to broaden and develop inter GLA synergies to reduce Service costs. At the same time, account must be taken of our statutory responsibility to provide sufficient aids to navigation for the safety of all mariners which are commensurate with the risk and degree of traffic.
The GLA's new draft Marine Aids to Navigation Strategy document 2025 & Beyond has just been issued to users and stakeholders for comment. An inter GLA Aids to Navigation Requirements Review is currently being carried out for the whole of the UK and Ireland in consultation with users and will be published in May 2010. A co-ordinated approach is being adopted to determine the required level of service up to 2015, using Automatic Identification System (AIS) derived traffic analysis together with a consistent methodology for risk analysis.
During the year the International Maritime Organization approved a plan for developing its e-Navigation Strategy which is intended to lay the foundation for implementation of e-Navigation on a phased basis from 2012. We fully support the two Governments in implementing this plan and are already contributing to its development by deploying AIS aids to navigation and improving the integrated Differential GPS service in preparation for e-Navigation implementation. We continue to promote eLoran as a back up and complimentary service to GPS, as a constituent part of a new European Radionavigation Plan and as an essential element of e-Navigation.
Our programme to develop superbuoys and test them in harsh conditions over the past few years has paid dividends during the year. The last remaining lightvessel on the Irish Coast, the South Rock automated lightfloat, was withdrawn on 25 February 2009 and replaced by a superbuoy. On 25 August 2009, the Arklow Lanby was withdrawn and replaced by a superbuoy. The Arklow station had been marked by a Lanby for over 33 years. Implementation of the five year plan resulting from the 2005 Aids to Navigation Review is well advanced. Solutions using renewable energy sources, new low power light technology and modern electronics continue to be used in lighthouse re-engineering projects.
ILV Granuaile continues to serve the needs of Irish Lights in buoy maintenance, lighthouse provisioning and capital project support. It is used on an emergency basis in wreck survey and marking, and is an essential part of the GLA fleet. A new generation EC135 helicopter, provided and operated by Irish Helicopters Ltd, came into service on 1 December 2008.
This past year has seen a full year of operation since taking up residence in our new headquarters in Dun Laoghaire. The integration of the engineering workshops and administrative buildings on one site has contributed greatly to the effectiveness of the organisation. The streamlining of the organisation continues through the integration programme as synergies, efficiencies and new processes are exploited.
Throughout 2009 Irish Lights has continued to successfully provide its services to customers and stakeholders. My thanks are due to the Board, management and staff for their continued support and assistance during the year. I wish you and your families a happy Christmas and best wishes for 2010.
Stuart Ruttle, Chief Executive.