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Backlash against proposed changes to historic lighthouse

Finn Purdy
BBC News NI
Getty Images St. John's Point Lighthouse. Its strikingly tall tower is marked with vibrant bands of yellow and black. These vivid colours, which distinguish it from other lighthouses, are known as its daymark. To the right of the lighthouse is a white building with a black roof.Getty Images
St. John's Point Lighthouse is located in County Down

Dozens of objections have been submitted to a proposed change to the light source at an historic lighthouse at St John's Point in County Down.

The proposal includes replacing the mercury that makes the light rotate with a low-energy LED alternative.

Campaigners fear that altering the mechanism controlling the rotating light could harm the landmark's historic character.

The Commissioners of Irish Lights, who operate the lighthouse, said the proposed works would "ensure that the historic lens continues to provide the same unique flash character of the light, while allowing the removal of mercury".

Clodagh Hanratty, director of coastal operations for the organisation said that "the proposals outlined demonstrate a clear commitment to protecting the heritage of St John's Point, while enhancing the lighthouse's reliability and effectiveness as an aid to navigation".

"Extensive research and pilot projects have been undertaken to safeguard the heritage and to plan for future development of the site as a tourism destination," she added.

Eileen Peters from the Lecale Lightkeepers said it would be a "terrific loss of the intangible and industrial heritage if it is changed".

She told the BBC's Good Morning Ulster Programme that the lighthouse currently produces a "beautiful" and "reassuring beam" that she said an LED "cannot produce".

She said that the current cost of running the light was 84 pence per night.

"I think for a light that has a range of up to 27 miles and is constantly lit at night, that's pretty good value."

She said that the lens sits in a "pure form of mercury... [that] does not evaporate easily".

"And it is only the vapours of that sort of mercury that can be dangerous if inhaled for any length of time."

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council has received 66 complaints about a listed planning application from the Commissioners of Irish Lights.

Getty Images St John’s Point Lighthouse in gorgeous County Down. Its strikingly tall tower is marked with vibrant bands of yellow and black. These vivid colours, which distinguish it from other lighthouses, are known as its daymark.Getty Images
The lighthouse has stood for over 180 years

The lighthouse has stood in Killough for over 180 years and was used as a marker on a test run for the Titanic.

Similar planned changes to the light source proposed in 2015 were also met with opposition.

The lighthouse, which now stands about 130ft (40m) in height, has undergone many renovations since the Marquis of Downshire laid its foundation stone in 1839.

In 1875, the main light source was converted from oil to coal gas. By 1908 it was powered by vaporised paraffin and it was eventually converted to electric in 1981.

1981 was also the year that live-in lighthouse keepers were withdrawn and the building became automated, with a part-time attendant taking charge of the station.