Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 26 Jan 1994

Vol. 437 No. 6

Written Answers. - Withdrawal of Navigational Aid.

Seán Kenny

Question:

347 Mr. S. Kenny asked the Minister for the Marine if he will request the Commissioners of Irish Lights to withdraw their notice of discontinuance of the fog signal at the Bailey Lighthouse, Howth, County Dublin in view of the concern expressed by Howth fishermen on the matter.

Minister for the Marine (Mr. Andrews)

The Commissioners of Irish Lights are the authority responsible for providing and maintaining aids to navigation for shipping around the coast of Ireland.

I understand that the Commisisoners are currently conducting a review of the requirement for the fog signal at the Baily Lighthouse which includes a trial shutdown of the signal for a period of 3 months from 1 January last. While the decision on the future of the fog signal is primarily a matter for the Commissioners I am aware that concern has been expressed by fishermen and other interested parties as to the possible implications for safety of withdrawing the signal. I will, therefore, be taking the matter up directly with the Commissioners to ensure that their current review takes full account of all relevant safety considerations.