Irish Lights at its headquarters in Dun Laoghaire Harbour today launched its new strategy for 2025-2030, reinforcing its commitment to the safe navigation of around the island of Ireland, north and south. The strategy sets the stage for a forward-thinking, innovative approach in the marine and maritime space.
With a rich history spanning over two centuries, Irish Lights continues to set and uphold the highest international standards in maritime safety and environmental protection.
This strategy is set in the context of the importance of the sea to the island of Ireland and the challenging nature of the waters around our coast from a navigational viewpoint. It takes account of the key drivers of change that will impact the marine sector over the coming years, including the importance of safe and secure trade and infrastructure around our coasts, the government’s obligations under the Safety of Life at Sea Convention, and changing maritime and environmental legislation.
At the heart of the strategy is a commitment to maritime safety for all. The primary focus of the strategy is safe navigation and the protection of lives, infrastructure, and the environment at sea. The strategy takes account of the recently published
Programme for government priorities to support investment in commercial and port infrastructure, facilitate the achievement of offshore renewable energy targets, ensure sustainable fisheries, aquaculture, and coastal tourism development, and protect and manage our maritime environment, heritage, and cultural assets. Safety is the common thread running through all these activities.
Mark Barr, Chairman of Irish Lights, highlighted the importance of the strategy in shaping the future of maritime safety: “For over two centuries, Irish Lights has been at the heart of safe navigation around the coast of Ireland. We have built a reputation for reliability, expertise, and a willingness to innovate, which remains the cornerstone of our operations today. This new strategy is a clear reflection of the changing maritime landscape, with an emphasis on the use of sustainable technologies, climate change adaptation, and our ongoing dedication to ensuring safe passage for all mariners.”
Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien remarked on the evolving significance of maritime safety: “In the wake of recent global events, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the Suez Canal closure, Brexit, and geopolitical challenges, it has become even clearer that maritime safety and secure international supply chains are essential for Ireland’s economy and environmental future. The Irish Lights Strategy for 2025-2030 is an important step forward, ensuring that we stay ahead of new challenges while reinforcing Ireland's position as a key player in the global maritime space.”
The 2025-2030 strategy is particularly focused on integrating technological advancements into Irish Lights’ Aids to Navigation (AtoN) service, leveraging the latest developments, engineering, and equipment to continue delivering the highest standards of safety and efficiency. The strategy also recognizes the growing importance of offshore renewable energy, climate change, and biodiversity protection, marking Irish Lights' enduring commitment to sustainability.
Yvonne Shields O'Connor, chief executive of Irish Lights, spoke about the strategic direction of the organization: Irish Lights is a trusted provider of services and expertise to ensure safe navigation. Our new strategy builds on the deep-rooted skills, expertise, and dedication of our workforce and our experience of operating in the harshest conditions around the coast for over 200 years.
As we move into the next phase of our journey, this strategy sets clear objectives for the next five years, with a focus on delivering a suite of maritime safety services, supporting the maritime consenting regime, working at the national and international level to influence the development of navigation standards and technologies, meeting environmental goals, and protecting our maritime heritage in partnership with coastal communities.”
Key highlights of the Irish Lights Strategy for 2025-2030 include:
- Safe Navigation for All: Continued focus on delivering AtoN services to the highest international standards, ensuring safe passage for all mariners navigating Ireland’s challenging coastal waters.
- Collaboration & Leadership: Strengthening ties with national and international stakeholders, ensuring alignment with global maritime policies and regulations.
- Innovation & Digital Transformation: Accelerating the digitisation of services and leveraging new technologies for efficiency and enhanced maritime safety.
- Sustainable Technologies: A strong commitment to adopting sustainable and environmentally responsible technologies in maritime services and adapting to Climate Change.
- Community & Heritage: Supporting coastal communities and promoting the Great Lighthouses of Ireland initiative as part of an all-island tourism strategy.
Mark Barr concluded, “We remain dedicated to our mission of ensuring safe navigation for all who use Ireland’s seas. With this strategy, we are not just looking to the next five years but are laying the groundwork for an even safer, more sustainable
future for maritime trade, energy, and the protection of our coastal communities.”
Irish Lights looks forward to working with its partners and stakeholders to deliver on this vision and to continue its vital contribution to the maritime sector and the wider economy.
