The ultimatum came as the ILDF, comprising major global shipping lines, stepped up its campaign for abolition of the system under which ships which call at ports in the UK have to pay an additional charge to subsidise the provision of lighthouses and other navigational aids in the Republic of Ireland.

David Jamieson, the British shipping minister, stated in April that the current subsidy of Irish Lights should end and 'the Republic of Ireland should meet the full costs of provision of their aids to navigation.'

But the ILDF today voiced frustration that there has been no apparent progress in renegotiating the agreement.

Captain Mark Bookham, a spokesman for the ILDF said, 'We have been given many assurances but frankly there is no evidence of action by the Irish Government. It seems that any discussions have either stalled or collapsed but we have had no information.

The British Government has said that it is considering investment in the redevelopment of Dun Laoghaire depot. If the Irish Government is not prepared to talk seriously about ending this subsidy, Britain should make it clear that will take no part in funding this project. We have made our views known to Mr Jamieson and he is in no doubt that we will continue to press for abolition of this absurd subsidy which is costing our members millions of pounds a year.'

The new Dun Laoghaire headquarters is intended to create an integrated depot for engineering and maintenance facilities and a decision on the project is expected this year.

The ILDF has fought a long campaign for reduction and eventual abolition of Light Dues, which cost £72 million a year, 97% of which is paid by merchant ships mainly calling at ports in the south east of England. Ships calling in the UK pay higher Light Dues than in any other EU country, and Britain's major competitors, such as Holland, France and Germany, do not charge shipping but provide a state-funded service.

The Independent Light Dues Forum comprises: Gearbulk ( UK ) Ltd, "K" Line (Europe) Limited, Maersk Sealand, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, NYK Line, P & O Nedlloyd and Wallenius Wilhelmsen. The Forum is also supported by other independent shipping lines which, together with the Forum, regularly contribute about 50% of the annual revenue figure from light dues.

MJInformation No: 19834