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24/09/2009
Fresh Bid To Rescue Sinking Border Ferry
A struggling cross-border ferry service is this week the focus of a new rescue attempt.
As financial problems threaten to swamp the Foyle Ferry, local councillors - all members of the Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) - are attempting to throw a lifeline to the ailing cross-border ferry.
Michael Carten, Michael Coyle and Gerry Mullan have collected hundreds of signatures of support on both sides of the international ferry route.
A joint statement said: "The service is critical to the development of tourism on both sides of the border and the 'ducking and diving' has to stop."
The ferry, which was launched eight years ago, carries passengers and vehicles between Magilligan in Co Londonderry and Greencastle, Co Donegal.
A few months ago, the Irish government ruled out providing any money to maintain the ferry, which had continuing losses.
Last year, losses of €56,000 were sustained, with estimates that it could lose nearly €224,000 this year.
At that time, the SDLP said their intention was to rescue the service and now the three councillors have stepped up the pace of the campaign.
According to SDLP representatives, the project is a "national responsibility" and they called on the NI Assembly and the Dáil to stop behaving in a 'partitionist fashion' and jointly fund the ferry.
The East Derry SDLP Assembly Member John Dallat has also supported the campaign.
"There can be no reason why Donegal and Limavady councils cannot provide funding," he said.
He said that the party will continue working in this issue, which SDLP Leader Mark Durkan has also raised with the Irish Republic's Finance Minister, Brian Lenihan, and Senator Cecelia Keaveny in Dublin, while local councillors are following-up the issue locally.
However, back in February this year, Sinn Féin's Conor Murphy, who is the Stormont Minister for Regional Development, said replacement funding "was not possible" because the ferry runs between two jurisdictions and also government budgets were so tight.
The Lough Foyle Ferry Company used to receive an annual subsidy, which has now run out.
"I do recognise the importance of the ferry service in the local area and, despite the limitations of my own department, I think that at the very least there is a need for interested parties to explore more fully whether there are any options available which might help the service," he said, at the time.
But there was further hope for the service in May this year, when a ruling was made that it would no longer be designated as an 'international service'.
This removed what had been described as an "unnecessary security regime" which placed a huge financial burden on the authorities.
See: Foyle Ferry Finance Bid Fails
See: Cross-Border Ferry Thrown Lifeline
(CL/BMcC)
As financial problems threaten to swamp the Foyle Ferry, local councillors - all members of the Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) - are attempting to throw a lifeline to the ailing cross-border ferry.
Michael Carten, Michael Coyle and Gerry Mullan have collected hundreds of signatures of support on both sides of the international ferry route.
A joint statement said: "The service is critical to the development of tourism on both sides of the border and the 'ducking and diving' has to stop."
The ferry, which was launched eight years ago, carries passengers and vehicles between Magilligan in Co Londonderry and Greencastle, Co Donegal.
A few months ago, the Irish government ruled out providing any money to maintain the ferry, which had continuing losses.
Last year, losses of €56,000 were sustained, with estimates that it could lose nearly €224,000 this year.
At that time, the SDLP said their intention was to rescue the service and now the three councillors have stepped up the pace of the campaign.
According to SDLP representatives, the project is a "national responsibility" and they called on the NI Assembly and the Dáil to stop behaving in a 'partitionist fashion' and jointly fund the ferry.
The East Derry SDLP Assembly Member John Dallat has also supported the campaign.
"There can be no reason why Donegal and Limavady councils cannot provide funding," he said.
He said that the party will continue working in this issue, which SDLP Leader Mark Durkan has also raised with the Irish Republic's Finance Minister, Brian Lenihan, and Senator Cecelia Keaveny in Dublin, while local councillors are following-up the issue locally.
However, back in February this year, Sinn Féin's Conor Murphy, who is the Stormont Minister for Regional Development, said replacement funding "was not possible" because the ferry runs between two jurisdictions and also government budgets were so tight.
The Lough Foyle Ferry Company used to receive an annual subsidy, which has now run out.
"I do recognise the importance of the ferry service in the local area and, despite the limitations of my own department, I think that at the very least there is a need for interested parties to explore more fully whether there are any options available which might help the service," he said, at the time.
But there was further hope for the service in May this year, when a ruling was made that it would no longer be designated as an 'international service'.
This removed what had been described as an "unnecessary security regime" which placed a huge financial burden on the authorities.
See: Foyle Ferry Finance Bid Fails
See: Cross-Border Ferry Thrown Lifeline
(CL/BMcC)
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24 April 2009
SOS For Sinking Ferry Service
As a scenic cross border transport link remains in jeopardy, a Coleraine Sinn Féin councillor has urged NI Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster to take action to save the ferry. Billy Leonard wants the DUP Minister to play her part along with other Stormont Executive colleagues to save the Magilligan ferry service to Greencastle.
SOS For Sinking Ferry Service
As a scenic cross border transport link remains in jeopardy, a Coleraine Sinn Féin councillor has urged NI Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster to take action to save the ferry. Billy Leonard wants the DUP Minister to play her part along with other Stormont Executive colleagues to save the Magilligan ferry service to Greencastle.
30 March 2006
Rathlin Ferry to begin early tourist season sailings
Visitors to Rathlin will be welcomed early this year as the new summer timetable for the island's ferry service will commence a month earlier than usual.
Rathlin Ferry to begin early tourist season sailings
Visitors to Rathlin will be welcomed early this year as the new summer timetable for the island's ferry service will commence a month earlier than usual.
13 May 2009
Cross-Border Ferry Thrown Lifeline
There is renewed hope today that an innovative cross-border ferry service that has been under threat may yet remain afloat. The Lough Foyle Ferry Company used to receive an annual subsidy, which has now run out. Last year, losses of €56,000 were sustained, with estimates that it could lose nearly €224,000 this year.
Cross-Border Ferry Thrown Lifeline
There is renewed hope today that an innovative cross-border ferry service that has been under threat may yet remain afloat. The Lough Foyle Ferry Company used to receive an annual subsidy, which has now run out. Last year, losses of €56,000 were sustained, with estimates that it could lose nearly €224,000 this year.
01 October 2009
Foyle Ferry Refloated
A lifeline has been thrown to a fast-sinking cross-border car ferry service. The crisis-hit Lough Foyle Ferry - which was due to cease services this week for good - is to continue until at least Christmas, on the understanding that new funding is found.
Foyle Ferry Refloated
A lifeline has been thrown to a fast-sinking cross-border car ferry service. The crisis-hit Lough Foyle Ferry - which was due to cease services this week for good - is to continue until at least Christmas, on the understanding that new funding is found.
06 February 2009
Foyle Ferry Finance Bid Fails
News that the Irish government has firmly ruled out providing any money towards ensuring the Lough Foyle cross-border ferry service will operate this coming season has proved a further setback for the service's supporters.
Foyle Ferry Finance Bid Fails
News that the Irish government has firmly ruled out providing any money towards ensuring the Lough Foyle cross-border ferry service will operate this coming season has proved a further setback for the service's supporters.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
