British ships faces being left in the dark when they approach hazardous Irish waters, it is feared.
As a result cost-cutting exercises, the UK Government is reducing payments to the Commissioners of Irish Lights (CIL). The annual subsidy has been paid since 1921 and is expected to be £9.1 million next year.
But if the cut goes ahead, lighthouses in Irish waters will be switched off when approached by British shipping.
Said Patrick O'Fleecem: "It's an unfortunate development, so it is. But there it is - we can't be providing a service that hasn't been paid for.
"To be sure, we'll be lightin' 'em up for other countries. But when a Brit ship comes looking to pass our rocks and shoals, they'll be on their own."
