The Commissioners of Irish Lights is the General Lighthouse Authority for all of Ireland, its adjacent seas and islands. CIL carry out the obligations of the British & Irish Governments in relation to the provision of Aids to Navigation (AtoN) around the coast of Ireland commensurate with the amount of traffic and degree of risk under the Safety of Life at Sea Convention (SOLAS).

CIL's Vision Statement is to deliver a reliable, efficient and cost effective Aids to Navigation Service for the benefit and safety of all Mariners.

In addition, there is an obligation on CIL to inspect and approve the AtoN systems and to audit the subsequent management of AtoNs provided by Ports and Local Lighthouse Authorities. CIL also has obligations regarding the marking or removal of wrecks in areas of general navigation.

The legal basis for the operations of the Commissioners of Irish Lights dates back to an Act passed by the Irish Parliament sitting in Dublin in 1786 which set up a body called "The Corporation for Preserving and Improving the Port of Dublin". Various Acts were passed over the years and in 1867 a new Act separated the Port of Dublin Corporation from the Corporation for the Preserving and Improving the Port of Dublin. It was not until 1935, following Irish independence, that the functions of Irish Lights were finally regularised when adaptations were made by an Order of the Executive Council, entitled: Irish Lights Commissioners Adaptation Order, 1935.

The cost of the Service to mariners is met from the General Lighthouse Fund which derives its income mainly from light dues that are charged on commercial shipping calling at UK and Irish ports. The Irish Government contributes to the Fund under the terms of an agreed formula. The Irish Lights service is part of an integrated system of Aids to navigation around the coasts of Britain and Ireland. Trinity House and Northern Lighthouse Board are our sister providers.

Irish Lights affairs are run by a Board of 12 Commissioners, 4 Officials from Dublin Corporation, the Chief Executive and 4 Heads of Department.

Irish Lights is now based at Dun Laoghaire on Dublin Bay where the workshops, buoy yard and administration are all located on the same site. From here Irish Lights oversee the provision and maintenance of lighthouses, buoys, beacons and radio aids to marine navigation. There is a 24 monitoring service of the major AtoNs from this site. A contracted helicopter is used to transfer maintenance teams to and from offshore lighthouses. The dedicated vessel Granuaile is deployed to maintain and service the AtoNs provided, mainly buoyage, but is also engaged in project support, lighthouse replenishment, surveying and wreck marking or removal. Granuaile is also a strategic asset of the Irish State and is available for appropriate commercial contracts.