| 3.7.17
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AREA
17 - TORY ISLAND TO LOOP HEAD |
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| 3.7.17.1
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The
Tory Island to Loop Head region is one of the most exposed areas in Northwest
Europe, as it takes the full brunt of the prevailing winds and North Atlantic
storms. |
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| 3.7.17.2
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The
geographical features of this coastline vary considerably along its whole
length, and the number of AtoN provided from place to place tend to reflect
the density of marine hazards to be found in any one locality. |
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| 3.7.17.3 |
For
instance, the Co. Clare coast from Loophead to Galway Bay being steep-to
with high sheer cliffs and few off-lying rocks, is one of the longest stretches
of un-lighted coastline in the country. |
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| 3.7.17.4 |
Galway
Bay is, in general, well served by the natural protection it receives during
severe North Atlantic weather from the strategic location of the Aran Islands.
The Bay is adequately lighted, and thus ease of access, but offers limited
shelter for large vessels, which may be disabled, or under stress of weather.
However, the anchorage to the East of Blackhead Lighthouse is tenable in
certain weather conditions and is frequently used by vessels awaiting suitable
conditions to enter Galway Harbour. |
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| 3.7.17.5 |
The
physical nature of the coastline changes dramatically between Rossaveal
and Eagle Island. The shoaled and rock strewn coasts of Counties Galway
and Mayo protrude out into the North Atlantic and present a formidable number
of hazards for the inshore mariner. There is, consequently, a larger number
of AtoN provided in this area, the two major ones being Slyne Head and Eagle
Island. |
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| 3.7.17.6
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This
section of the coast is not well endowed with harbours of refuge for larger
vessels, Blacksod Bay, with Blackrock and Blacksod Lighthouses in its approaches,
being the most suitable one available. |
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| 3.7.17.7 |
The
coast from Donegal Bay to Tory island, within which the two major fishing
ports of Killybegs and Burtonport are located, is characterised by the highest
sea cliffs in the country, Slieve League, and a hazardous rock offshore
between Dawros Had and Bloody Foreland, on the West coast of Co. Donegal. |
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| 3.7.17.8 |
In
addition to the various GLA AtoN in this region, which provide for the needs
of shipping in general, the relevant local authorities have adequately provided
for the requirements of the Ports and Harbours within their jurisdictions. |
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| 3.7.17.9
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The
changes proposed for this area can be summarised, as follows: |