Dublin 'Docklands' Developer Harry Crosbie Seeks Return of former Lightship ‘Kittiwake’

3rd May 2021

The former lightship ALF Kittiwake that last served on station off the Co. Down coast, was withdrawn by Irish Lights in 2005. The vessel however remains berthed in Dublin Port's Alexandra Basin. In AFLOAT's above file photo, Kittiwake is within the Basin alongside the now demolished Bulk Jetty (Boliden Tara Mines) but replaced with a new terminal at the entrance of Dublin Dry Docks that closed in 2016. Credit: Jehan Ashmore

The Dublin 'docklands' developer, Harry Crosbie is launching a campaign for the return of the 134ft (floating) landmark, Kittiwake.

The former lightship which he (had berthed) alongside the Liffey and (opposite) of The Point Depot, now the O2, then one of his many docklands business ventures.

But the distinctive red ship, which was sold to him by its owners, the Commissioners of Irish Lights (CIL), for a reputed €60,000, is now in the possession of Dublin Port, which has docked it away from public view in Alexandra Basin within the port complex.

For more on this development of the former lightship, Independent.ie reports here.

As Afloat previously reported, it is almost a decade since Crosbie's plans to relocate the former lightship Kittiwake on the North Quay Wall, in front of the O2 Theatre, were refused permission.

The 1959 built lightship was converted in the 1980's by Irish Lights into an Automated Light-Float (ALF) and last served on station at South Rock off the Co. Down coast until 2005.

ALF Kittiwake was the second last lightship to operate in waters around Ireland.

Published in Historic Boats

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About The Author

Jehan Ashmore

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Jehan Ashmore is a marine correspondent, researcher and photographer, specialising in Irish ports, shipping and the ferry sector serving the UK and directly to mainland Europe. Jehan also occasionally writes a column, 'Maritime' Dalkey for the (Dalkey Community Council Newsletter) in addition to contributing to UK marine periodicals.

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