Provide and regulate to international standards a network of marine aids to navigation around the island of Ireland, which is secure, resilient, and technically advanced and which protects lives, the economy, trade and the environment.

Focus Area 1 of our strategy encompasses the statutory role of Irish Lights in the provision and regulation of Aids to Navigation (AtoN), and in responding to dangerous wrecks outside of harbour areas. AtoN are an essential National and International Infrastructure for the maritime sector.

Safe navigation is a prerequisite for maritime safety, trade, security and the protection of the environment. Irish Lights is required to provide and regulate marine Aids to Navigation (AtoN) for all marine users.

A modern AtoN infrastructure that serves the smallest leisure craft and the largest commercial cargo or passenger vessel, requires a responsive mix of physical and electronic AtoN.

Safety of navigation considerations are also important for Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP), and key emerging maritime uses such as the planned rollout of Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) infrastructure, Marine Protected Areas (MPA), and Designated Maritime Area Plans (DMAP).

Ongoing investments in the AtoN network will reflect the need for achieving measurable decreases in outages and the maintenance of key assets.

Strategic Objectives 2025-2030

1. Fulfil the mandatory IMO SOLAS obligations for Ireland and the UK (Northern Ireland) in relation to the provision and regulation of AtoN in accordance with IALA Standards.
2. In conjunction with our GLA partners, maintain the required resources for immediate response to dangerous wrecks outside of harbour areas within agreed response times.
3. Work with relevant statutory bodies in Ireland and Northern Ireland to implement an effective and streamlined maritime consenting regime.
4. Continue to provide thought and knowledge leadership and innovative use of new technology to deliver reliable, low maintenance, environmentally responsible, AtoN systems.
5. Ensure our essential assets including, ship, coastal AtoN networks, and communications infrastructure are reliable, secure and resilient.
6. Support the development of international maritime data standards.