20thcentury

Led by politician Patrick Belton, the Irish Christian Front (ICF) was active between 1936 and 1937, organizing massive public demonstrations and fundraising to support Francisco Franco's Nationalist faction in the Spanish Civil War

Suck Diesel Have we come across Mr Belton before? Slightly ringing a bell.

National Library of Ireland on The Commons Belton equalling Bell Tone?

National Library of Ireland on The Commons Pubs, Avril Doyle, Collins’s Avenue?

'if it is necessary to be a fascist to defend Christianity then I am a fascist and so are my colleagues'.
- Patrick Belton

I remember, as a child, digging down in the sand in Skerries (perhaps 65 years ago). Obviously not digging far, but hitting a layer of black stuff. My parents told me it was oil. It had a very particular smell. I still remember it. I still wonder what it was. It happened more than once.

The answer, according to A.I.:

The Science Behind the 'Black Oil' Layer

The Lack of Oxygen (Anoxia): On popular beaches like Skerries South Beach or North Strand, the top few inches of sand are constantly turned over by waves and the tide, keeping them well-oxygenated and clean. However, just a short distance below the surface, the tightly packed sand particles block fresh water and oxygen from penetrating.

Decaying Organic Matter: Over time, bits of seaweed, marine organisms, and organic silt get buried under the shifting sand. In an environment devoid of oxygen, normal decomposition cannot happen. Instead, specialized anaerobic bacteria take over to break down this organic material.

The Chemical Reaction: These bacteria "breathe" sulfates (which are abundant in seawater) and exude iron sulfides. It is this iron sulfide that dyes the sand grains a deep, jet-black color and gives it a slick, greasy texture that looks identical to oil.

Boo hoo! The Tower Tearooms and The Tuck Shop are no more ...
In February (brrr!) 2023 via Paul McNamara [https://www.flickr.com/photos/pauljmcnamara/52713096446/]

Red Island again

This Faecsbook page reckons "circa 1928" - www.facebook.com
Includes another Eason near the tower with a motor car - catalogue.nli.ie

It all looks electric to me. Probably 1960+ ...

"... Electrification, helicopters, radar and radio beacons: An electrification programme began in the 1960s, and helicopter operations were introduced, leading to a reduction in the number of lighthouse vessels from four to one. Radar beacons or racons were introduced to provide radar marking for key dangers and radio beacons were introduced to provide long-range (200 mile) positioning. ... "

via - www.irishlights.ie

Switch gear looks from the 60's through to 70's. Now a good idea where the abrasive belt linisher is sited. Grinding dust could be deposited on the lens/reflector dish and ring gear.

This light fixture rotates 360°. Was it possibly for a lighthouse?

CASSIDY PHOTOGRAPHY Yes, given the original
Switchgear May or may not have been for the lights?
Lots to f stuff going on in that workshop
I wonder if it was the one in Dun Laoghaire?

I’m thinking xenon arc lamps, given the heavy control traffos, likely 1950s
Lamps not fitted yet, for safety reasons, given their very high internal gas pressure