North Lighthouse Conservation Project Completed After More Than a Decade of Careful Restoration
The conservation programme at the North Lighthouse at Mornington which began in 2016 was officially completed this month. The works undertaken will ensure the conservation of the lighthouse for many years to come.
The project undertaken by Drogheda Port Company was supervised by conservation architect Fergal McGirl and supported through the Built Heritage Investment Scheme administered by Meath County Council.
The Drogheda North Lighthouse is one of three related lighthouses constructed and commissioned in 1842 by the Drogheda Harbour Commissioners to help guiding vessels into the Port of Drogheda. They acted as both day marks and lighted night marks assisting safe navigation.
The lighthouse makes a significant architectural contribution to the surrounding landscape. It forms part of an interesting group with the related lighthouses in the area. It also forms part of a broader group with the sea safety structures in the area, such as the beacons and former lifeboat house. The lighthouse retains many original features and materials.
The sequence of works was organised using skilled craftsmen to address the most urgent issues first. The earliest intervention involved stabilising the historic battery array and attention then moved to the lantern housing, where long-term water ingress had caused substantial deterioration. Works included replacing the lantern porch roof, reinstating decayed timbers and all timbers was replaced on a like-for-like basis, and lantern lead roof was reinstated following original detailing. This phase restored the weatherproofing and integrity of the upper structure.
The most extensive and technically demanding component of the entire programme involved the wrought-iron cross-braced tower structure which was returned to its original condition which significantly enhances its long-term resilience. This stage represented the largest single investment of time and labour within the project.
With all phases now completed, despite the unavoidable interruption caused by COVID 19, the North Lighthouse has been carefully stabilised and restored. The works reflect a methodical and conservation-led approach that prioritised safety, heritage integrity, and long-term sustainability. The project underscores the value of continued investment in the region’s-built heritage and demonstrates effective collaboration between Drogheda Port Company, the project team, specialist contractors, and Meath County Council through the Built Heritage Investment Scheme.
Today, the North Lighthouse stands in a restored condition: structurally secure, weather-tight, and conservationally stable. The interventions carried out since 2016 have preserved its architectural character and extended its lifespan, ensuring it remains a safe, functional, and culturally valuable landmark under the stewardship of Drogheda Port Company. Continued maintenance and monitoring will always be required particularly given its exposed coastal setting.
A similar restoration project on the East Lighthouse will commence this year.
