Calls for Fastnet beams to stay bright; Councillors oppose switch to energy-saver light at landmark site

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar is being urged to stop the Commissioner for Irish Lights (CIL) downgrading the range of beams emitting from the country’s most iconic lighthouse.

Cork County Council is to write to Mr Varadkar asking him to stop CIL removing mercury-based lights at the Fastnet Lighthouse and replacing them with more energy-efficient LED lights.

Fianna Fáil councillor Gillian Coughlan won unanimous support from colleagues after she said the CIL move would “interfere” with the historic integrity of the lighthouse and reduce the beam out to sea from 27 to 18 nautical miles.