Commissioners of Irish Lights

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 May 2012

Tuesday, 8 May 2012

Ceisteanna (333)

Tom Fleming

Ceist:

395 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will retain all the lighthouse buildings of Ireland in their original historic condition and refrain from changing any aspect of their current design and structure in view of the fact that they represent part of our heritage and should be a source of education, tourism and marine life to our island nation; his plans in respect of a building (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22706/12]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar)

The matters raised are the responsibility of the Commissioners of Irish Lights (CIL). However, my understanding is that a final decision has not been made with regard to changes to the design and layout of the lighthouse referred to by the Deputy. CIL should be in a position to provide further information on this.

CIL is the General Lighthouse Authority for all of the island of Ireland and its adjacent seas and islands. It is responsible for the provision of Aids to Navigation (AtoN) for all classes of mariners in general navigation, and for the superintendence and management of all aids to navigation. CIL reviews its level of service on an ongoing basis, and a major review covering all AtoN is completed every 5 years. The last 5 year review was published in 2010.

The review recommends that a number of changes be made to lighthouses through the installation of improved solar systems and the use of LED lights. These changes are part of an ongoing modernisation programme which is aimed at providing the required service for mariners in an efficient and economic manner.