Group set up to keep beam at lighthouse

Group set up to keep beam at lighthouse

10 June 2015

A NEW campaign group has been launched to secure the future of the sweeping beam at St John’s Point lighthouse in Killough.

The move comes after the Commissioner of Irish Lights put on hold a controversial plan to replace the six ton Fresnel lamp with a modern LED light for two years.

The proposal sparked a wave of public protest spearheaded by local residents, politicians, mariners and fishermen based in Ardglass who are adamant the sweeping beam must be retained.

Commissioners are concerned the lamp at St John’s poses a health hazard as it rotates in a bath of mercury. However, in the wake of vociferous criticism about its removal, they have agreed to put their plan on hold and look at other rotating mechanisms which would allow the lamp to remain.

Commissioners insist while no solution has yet been found which will guarantee the level of performance and reliability they require at St John’s, they have identified a potential bearing solution that they believe is worthy of extended testing.

Captain Robert McCabe, the Commission’s Director of Operations and Navigation, said the organisation will keep local people informed as the testing proceeds and will maintain dialogue with them over the next two years.

Last weekend, residents involved in the battle to have the lamp retained formed themselves into an official group — which will be known as The Lecale Lightkeepers — to take forward the campaign. 

They are also delighted the plight of the St John’s lamp recently featured on the front cover of the prestigious Lighthouse Digest publication which circulates extensively in America and Canada.

Eileen Peters, a retired teacher and archaeologist, has been appointed as the new group’s chairwoman, with William Og Mulhall her deputy.

The group secretary is Imelda Keeling who will also act as its education co-ordinator, while William Mulhall was appointed treasurer. George H. Smyth has been handed responsibility for publicity and marketing, while chemical engineer Hugh O’Donnell has been appointed as an advisor to assist the group.

A spokeswoman for the newly formed group said it will now begin to enter into formal discussions with The Commissioners of Irish Lights to have the sweeping beam retained.

“Our aim is to preserve, for future generations, St John’s Point Lighthouse in its existing functioning form, complete with its historic optical and mechanical engineering as a magnificent aid to navigation,” she said.

The spokeswoman said the characteristic light beam is also a feature of “unique local and cultural importance” and must be retained.

She added: “We are grateful to all who support the campaign to preserve the Fresnel lamp with its sweeping beam and the integrity of St John’s Point Lighthouse.”

Confirmation an official campaign group has been formed to retain the sweeping beam has been welcomed by South Down MP Margaret Ritchie. She said there is “unity of purpose” in retaining the beam to provide a guiding light to mariners and fishermen and retain an important part of local heritage. 

The new campaign group said it welcomes posts and comments on its Facebook page The Lighthouse People (Killough) and anyone who would like to be actively involved as group members can make contact via Facebook or by telephoning (028) 4484 2639.