3.7.18	AREA 18 - LOOP HEAD TO FASTNET
3.7.18.1	This zone encompasses the South West Coast from Loop Head to Fastnet Rock including the Shannon Estuary.
3.7.18.2	The Coast in this area is characterised by high bold headlands and deep bays. There are a large number of offshore islands.
3.7.18.3	Approaches to ports and harbours are invariably hazardous due to the rocky nature of the area.
3.7.18.4	The severe weather conditions frequently encountered in this zone can force vessels to seek shelter in the numerous bays in the area. As the predominant wind is Southwesterly it can be necessary to go quite deep into bays before suitable shelter can be found. The Shannon Estuary and Bantry Bay in particular are frequently used as ports of refuge.
3.7.18.5	Through traffic will normally follow the offshore route outside the major lights. Coastal traffic and vessels bound for ports within the zone frequently use the more restricted inshore passages, particularly during adverse weather conditions.
3.7.18.6	There is a busy fishing trade in the area ranging from small inshore boats to large offshore trawlers and deep-sea tuna boats..
3.7.18.7	The changes proposed for this area can be summarised, as follows:

• Loop Head Lighthouse - Reduce range to 20nm if economically advantageous. Establish AIS AtoN
  
• Inishtearaght Lighthouse- Establish AIS AtoN
  
• Castlemaine Beacon - Restore Beacon
  
• Colt Rock Beacon - Review lighting options
  
• Sheeps Head Lighthouse- Realign red sector to cover Bullig Rock and Three Castles Head
  
• Blackhorse Rocks Perch- Review lighting option