A information event being held next week about the future of a historic Co Down lighthouse doesn’t represent a public consultation, campaigners have said.
The activists are calling for the retention of the historic light at St John’s Point Lighthouse in Killough.
A public information event organised by the Commissioner for Irish Lights (CIL) on the proposed works is to be held next week – but those wishing to attend must make an appointment ahead of schedule.
The proposed works include removing the mercury from the site (which currently makes the light rotate) and replacing the existing 180-year-old light source with a low-energy LED one.
The event next week is scheduled to last for four hours – from 3.30pm to 7.30pm at the Burrendale Hotel in Newcastle – and requires booking an appointment ahead of time.
According to information sent to the Belfast Telegraph, the event will only cater to a total of 36 people – with a maximum of three people allocated to attend each session which will take place at 20-minute intervals over the course of the four hours.
Campaigners who are calling for the retention of the light at St John’s Point have said the event is “laughable” after only being given one week’s notice of it taking place.
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“It’s totally laughable, a travesty really,” said Eileen Peters, a member of the Lecale Lightkeepers campaign group.
“We have had two public events in recent years in Ardglass and at the Harbour which were well attended by the community.
“Since then, nothing has changed from our point of view and nothing has changed from what they are wanting to change, so my question is why are they even bothering?
“We are disappointed, but not at all surprised that they have made this difficult for a limited amount of people to attend by booking by appointment only and holding it during a week-day afternoon.
“We have made an appointment nonetheless to attend next week, but we are certain it will be a fairly futile exercise, as it’s only an information event and not a proper consultation which is what we are calling for.”
Earlier this year, in May, a PAD (pre-application discussion) request was submitted to Newry, Mourne and Down District council by CIL stating that the proposed works would allow for the retention of the “rotating Fresnel lens and visible flash character” as well as for “the removal of mercury and diesel generation from the lighthouse”.
“The existing Fresnel lens will continue in operation by installing a mechanical rotational ball bearing race below the lens, replacing the mercury used in the existing rotation system,” it read.
“It is intended to replace the existing light source with a low-energy LED light source, this will enable the replacement of the existing diesel generator and fuel storage with a battery system in the event of mains electrical failure.”
Chris Scully, Coastal Operations and Property Manager for CIL, confirmed to the Belfast Telegraph that a PAD meeting took place with the council and the Historic Environment Division from the Department of Communities on September 13.
The St John’s Point Lighthouse tower is a Grade B1 listed building and any future works will require listed building consent.
The event next week, according to a CIL spokesperson, is to “provide information in respect of the future Listed Building Consent Application”.
“Any comments made to the prospective applicant (Irish Lights) are not representations to the Planning Authority,” they said.
“If a Listed Building Application is submitted to the Newry, Mourne, and Down District Council, normal neighbourhood notification and publicity will be undertaken at that time, and you will have the opportunity to make formal representations regarding the proposal.”
If you wish to attend next week’s public information event you can call or email to book an appointment by 3pm on 18 November to [email protected] or 07717 518452.