Community remain opposed to St John’s Point Lighthouse proposals says Hazzard
Sinn Féin MP Chris Hazzard has said that controversial proposals to refurbish St John’s Point Lighthouse would diminish the unique heritage of the area. Speaking following a community protest at the lighthouse, the South Down MP said: “For 150 years the iconic sweeping beam from St John’s Point Lighthouse has been a fundamental part of life for those of us who live and work in East Down.
“The Commissioners’ of Irish Lights (CIL) current proposals to alter this beam as a result of their planned refurbishments of the lighthouse are unacceptable and are therefore opposed by both heritage campaigners and the local community.
“We have unfortunately seen CIL’s modernisation policy diminish the unique character of Irish lighthouses in recent years as a trail of destruction has been left in their wake.
“Recent problems at Tory Island, Mew Island and Fastnet are a timely reminder as to why we must not tamper with the special heritage at St John’s.
“The message remains the same – leave our light alone!”
Local Sinn Féin Cllr John Rice who also attended the protest added; “St Johns Point is one of the most iconic pieces of social heritage that we can offer “The light itself can be seen right across the constituency and it is something that locals enjoy greatly from as far as the Mournes and Slieve Croob.
“I like most other people grew up always admiring this great light house and I feel that the Irish Lighthouse authority must stop their proposed changes immediately.”
Irish Lights Confirms Commitment to Retain Sweeping Beam at St. John’s Point Lighthouse
A spokesperson for the Irish Lights said: “As part of the Commissioners of Irish Lights ongoing investment programme to maintain and modernise its Aids to Navigation planned work at St John’s Point Lighthouse, it will deliver environmental, safety and cost benefits. It is part of Irish Lights continuing investment programme of upkeep and modernisation of its coastal services to the mariner, and its work to protect and develop its heritage assets.
“Captain Robert McCabe, Director of Operations and Navigation Services of Irish Lights was at St John’s Point on Sunday, 19 August and took the opportunity to provide an update to those in attendance on Irish Lights’ plans for the station. Captain McCabe confirmed that Irish Lights is committed to the retention of the ‘sweeping beam’ at St John’s Point and shares the view of the local community on the heritage and tourism importance of the station.
“When Irish Lights has finalised its proposals for St John’s Point there will be consultation with the local community and the planning and heritage authorities. The Irish Lights 2018-2023 Strategy, ‘Safe Seas – Connected Coasts’, confirms the need for visual Aids to Navigation such as St John’s Point, as well as placing a particular focus on community engagement, tourism and heritage.
“The main programme of works at St John’s Lighthouse, due to take place in the coming years, is the replacement of the light source with a new LED light. This light source will be housed within the original Fresnel lens and there will be no changes to the visual structure of the light source. The new LED light will maintain its sweeping beam and will have a range of 18 nautical miles while using less than 30 watts compared with the previous 1000 watt lamp thus improving its environmental footprint and removing the need for a diesel generator at the station. It will also allow for the removal of mercury from the station.”
The spokesperson added: “Irish Lights has addressed previously held concerns relating to the sweeping beam and has reiterated that the solution being considered for St. John’s Point will ensure that the beam will retain its sweeping feature and the rotating lens will be unaffected visually.
“Since this project was first proposed in 2015, Irish Lights has engaged with local stakeholders on the replacement of the lens, and has taken on board key concerns raised by these groups and will continue to engage with the community on an ongoing basis to ensure the unique lighthouse heritage is protected.
“Irish Lights is currently trialling a system that will allow the lens to rotate as it does currently and will engage with the local community once again when this trial project comes to a final conclusion. When the project is in a position to progress Irish Lights will continue to consult with the local community and will ensure all planning and heritage requirements are met.
“Irish Lights will continue its work to protect and develop its heritage assets for the benefit of the Irish public. The Great Lighthouses of Ireland North-South tourism and heritage initiative, saw 140,000 visitors to lighthouses around Ireland in 2017.
“In addition, over 19,000 bed-nights are now available in lightkeepers’ cottages at some of the most spectacular locations on the coast. This network of regional tourism initiatives has been developed in partnership with tourism agencies and local communities and is resulting in significant economic spin-off to coastal communities.”
