The ever-growing need for collaboration in our maritime space has been apparent for some time and is reflected in this strategy.

New and updated equipment standards, guidance, and regulations from the International Maritime Organisation, the International Telecommunication Union, and standards bodies such as International Organisation for Standardisation and Radio Technical Commission for Maritime Services have a direct influence on equipment carried on board vessels and how mariners engage with AtoN and other safety systems. These requirements must be aligned with the output from IALA through cooperation between the organisations involved and collaboration between the government departments and state organisations which represent Ireland at these bodies. This ever-growing need for collaboration in our maritime space is reflected in this strategy.

The Maritime Area Planning Act defines Ireland’s Maritime Area as extending from high-water mark to the continental shelf (including the Exclusive Economic Zone). Marine spatical planning requirements are set out in the Marine Planning Policy Statement and the National Marine Planning Framework. There is a clear requirement for regulation and enforcement to the limits of the maritime area and there is a requirement for Aids to Navigation regulation to extend to these limits and (subject to ratification of the relevant IMO Convention) wreck response may be similarly extended.

In addition to maritime legislation, Irish Lights is governed by a growing suite of national and public body legislation and compliance requirements. These requirements cover governance, data, environmental, health and safety, employee and employer legislation and we are required to meet the highest standards whether through regulation or voluntary best practice. The preparation of this strategy has included an assessment of all known potential compliance requirements and the requirements to plan for the impact on Irish Lights services going forward.