asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware that the Beacon near the scene of the Arranmore disaster and south of the island is almost completely covered at high waters; and, if so, if he will take steps to raise this beacon, and have cat's eyes inserted therein thereby making it easily visible to navigational and search lights of fishing and ferry boats.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Erection of Beacon at Arranmore
It is not clear what beacon the Deputy is referring to. Two beacons were erected by the Commissioners of Public Works near the scene of the Arranmore disaster and south of the island. These beacons were erected in 1937 to mark the approach channel to the landing places at Aphort and Chapel Strand. They are approximately seven feet above high water of ordinary spring tides; and as they are in the custody of the Donegal County Council any question in regard to them should be addressed to that body.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that, when there is an abnormally high tide, one of these beacons is almost completely covered and that it is quite possible that at such a time a further disaster might occur on the island? Would the Parliamentary Secretary impress on the Donegal County Council that money should be made available for an extension of the altitude of this particular beacon?
If we are to take it from the Parliamentary Secretary's reply that the Board of Works erected these beacons, then surely the Board of Works should have erected them at such a height as to ensure that they would not be covered at high tide.
I stated in my reply to the question, that they were erected approximately seven feet above high water of ordinary spring tides.