Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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831. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the measures in place with the Commissioners of Irish Lights for deployment under public health guidelines. [10749/20]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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I assume the Deputy is referring to measures taken by CIL in the face of the Covid19 crisis.

The Commissioners of Irish Lights, as the General Lighthouse Authority for Ireland, operates an essential maritime safety service around the island of Ireland. They have continued to provide this service throughout the pandemic.  

The following measures have been put in place to protect staff and third parties persons to deliver on services:  

- From the commencement of the crisis Irish Lights has provided guidance and support to all staff on compliance with Government and HSE advice. During the containment phase all recommended measures were followed including availability of sanitisers, advice on respiratory hygiene and social distancing.

Following the Taoiseach’s announcement on 12th March and commencement of the delay phase additional measures were put in place:-

- All staff who could work remotely were instructed to work from home.

- Work on the coast was reduced to essential maintenance only. Staff travelling to work on the coast were instructed to limit car occupancy to 1 person per car and were issued with individual Covid-19 PPE including gloves, wipes and masks.

- Where travel by helicopter was required the number of passengers was reduced to 2 and arrangements made for separation of the pilot from the passengers and for cleaning of the aircraft.

- Essential buoy production continued in Dun Laoghaire with strict social distancing and reduced staff.

- The ship, ILV Granuaile, was isolated and all  crew interaction with shore limited to essential activity such as crew change.  The ship is fully operational.  

- Regular contact is maintained with all staff to ensure they are coping well with the new arrangements and to keep them up to date with Government and HSE guidance and requirements.

Lighthouse tourism sites operated through the Great Lighthouses of Ireland brand were closed to the public throughout.

Irish Lights continues to operate under the regime above and will be arranging a gradual return to the workplace in compliance with the Return to Work Protocol.