Residents resist plan to modernise local lighthouse

Residents resist plan to modernise local lighthouse

28 January 2015

OPPOSITION to a controversial plan to replace the iconic lamp at St. John’s Point Lighthouse in Killough with a modern LED light is gathering increasing momentum.

A public meeting is being organised to allow residents to have their say, while campaigners opposed to the proposal by the Commissioners of Irish Lights are seeking the support of the fishing community and local historical societies.

Last Friday, a number of villagers braved stormy weather conditions to unfurl a banner at the base of the lighthouse in support of retaining the lamp. They say they are “dismayed” at plans to replace it.

The Commissioners intend to disable the lamp which beams out across Dundrum Bay and replace with it a static flashing light, but local people are gearing themselves to have the decision overturned.

They say the lamp, the lens of which floats on a mercury bath, is part of the area’s maritime history and must be retained.

Killough residents, Eileen Peters, Chris Murphy, Imelda Keeling and Barbara Hood, say it’s vital the lamp is retained.

Eileen explained if the iconic lamp is taken out of service, the sweeping beam which shines out from the lighthouse lamp would sadly become a thing of the past.

“People in the village agree the lighthouse beam is of cultural and historical significance. It’s our understanding the LED light’s beam will be nowhere near as powerful as the one we have at the moment,” she continued.

“We fail to see the gain of replacing the lamp we currently have. The lamp we have has been shining from the lighthouse since the early 1900s and is part of our maritime history.”

Chris confirmed it is hoped a public meeting to discuss the proposal to remove the lamp can be organised as soon as possible, and he urged the Commissioners of Irish Lights “not to take away our identity and sense of place.”

He continued: “People love St. John’s Lighthouse and that love extends far beyond Killough. We want to see the iconic lamp retained at a lighthouse which is an important visitor attraction and a vibrant part of the history of Killough.

“It must be comforting for fishermen returning home to port in Ardglass at night to see the beam from St. John’s. Local people are also very fond and very proud of this lighthouse.”

Imelda praised Eileen for highlighting the plan to replace the lamp in last week’s Recorder suggesting that had she not done so, “it could have been replaced without the vast majority of people in the village knowing anything about it.”

She added: “The fog horn was removed from the lighthouse a number of years ago but by the time people realised this had happened, it was too late to do anything about it. We must not let that happen to the lamp.”

Barbara added: “People are not happy at what’s proposed. We want the lamp retained. People love to see the lighthouse beam shining out across the bay. This lamp is part of our history we want to see retained.”

n Anyone interested in getting involved with the campaign to have the iconic lamp retained at St. John’s Lighthouse should contact 07444 825925.