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31/03/2005
£1m offered to refloat Ballycastle to Campbeltown ferry
A renewed effort to reinstate the Campbeltown to Ballycastle ferry service has been announced by Enterprise Minister Barry Gardiner and Scottish Executive Transport Minister Nicol Stephen.
Tenders will be invited for the service, that links Argyll and Moyle, through a joint Scottish Executive and Northern Ireland Administration project. The new contract will attract a maximum £1 million annual subsidy over the five years.
Commenting on the decision, Mr Gardiner said: “I am very pleased that we are in a position to be able to re-tender this service. This is an important step forward in our plans to have the ferry service restored. I hope that a successful operator can be found.”
Mr Stephen added: “There is strong local support for this service, especially from businesses in Kintyre, to ensure the future economic growth of the local community. A new ferry service would also create new opportunities in trade and tourism between Kintyre and Antrim. That is why we want to ensure every effort is made to restore this service.”
A summer only ferry service operated between Campbeltown and Ballycastle in Northern Ireland for three years, 1997-99. However, it was terminated just before the 2000 season following "unsustainable losses".
(MB/SP)
Tenders will be invited for the service, that links Argyll and Moyle, through a joint Scottish Executive and Northern Ireland Administration project. The new contract will attract a maximum £1 million annual subsidy over the five years.
Commenting on the decision, Mr Gardiner said: “I am very pleased that we are in a position to be able to re-tender this service. This is an important step forward in our plans to have the ferry service restored. I hope that a successful operator can be found.”
Mr Stephen added: “There is strong local support for this service, especially from businesses in Kintyre, to ensure the future economic growth of the local community. A new ferry service would also create new opportunities in trade and tourism between Kintyre and Antrim. That is why we want to ensure every effort is made to restore this service.”
A summer only ferry service operated between Campbeltown and Ballycastle in Northern Ireland for three years, 1997-99. However, it was terminated just before the 2000 season following "unsustainable losses".
(MB/SP)
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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.
10 January 2006
Ballycastle ferry link revival looks doubtful
Plans to revive the ferry service between Northern Ireland and Scotland look more unlikely than ever due to a lack of interest from investors.
Ballycastle ferry link revival looks doubtful
Plans to revive the ferry service between Northern Ireland and Scotland look more unlikely than ever due to a lack of interest from investors.
20 September 2005
Four ferry operators short-listed Ballycastle service
Four companies have been short-listed to tender for the operation of a possible reinstated Campbeltown-Ballycastle ferry service. This second stage of the tender process is part of a joint initiative, by the Scottish Executive and the Northern Ireland Administration, to attract an operator for the route.
Four ferry operators short-listed Ballycastle service
Four companies have been short-listed to tender for the operation of a possible reinstated Campbeltown-Ballycastle ferry service. This second stage of the tender process is part of a joint initiative, by the Scottish Executive and the Northern Ireland Administration, to attract an operator for the route.
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.
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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.
