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06/02/2009
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.
The car ferry, which plies between Greencastle in Co Donegal and the Northern Ireland side of the Foyle, at Magilligan in Co Londonderry, looks to be facing closure this summer if €300,000 isn't found.
In the Dáil this week, Donegal TD Joe McHugh called unsuccessfully for the government to provide the money.
Dail Deputy Ahern made it clear that no government department has responsibility for funding in this area.
A subsidy had been provided by Donegal County Council and now the only hope seems to be for Fine Gael MEP Jim Higgins' bid to source the money from Europe.
This may be a last gasp attempt at survival when the current contract expires.
The service is used by both commuters and tourists and takes 15 minutes to cross the one-mile stretch of water.
However, it lost €56,000 last year and could be facing losses of more than €200,000 this year.
The SDLP has previously called on the Northern Ireland Executive and the Irish government to step in and rescue the service from collapse.
The £3.6 million ferry service was originally launched in the North West to carry passengers and vehicles between Counties Londonderry and Donegal.
It began carrying car and foot passengers between Magilligan and Greencastle at the mouth of Lough Foyle in 2002.
See: Passenger and car ferry service for Foyle Lough
(BMcC)
The car ferry, which plies between Greencastle in Co Donegal and the Northern Ireland side of the Foyle, at Magilligan in Co Londonderry, looks to be facing closure this summer if €300,000 isn't found.
In the Dáil this week, Donegal TD Joe McHugh called unsuccessfully for the government to provide the money.
Dail Deputy Ahern made it clear that no government department has responsibility for funding in this area.
A subsidy had been provided by Donegal County Council and now the only hope seems to be for Fine Gael MEP Jim Higgins' bid to source the money from Europe.
This may be a last gasp attempt at survival when the current contract expires.
The service is used by both commuters and tourists and takes 15 minutes to cross the one-mile stretch of water.
However, it lost €56,000 last year and could be facing losses of more than €200,000 this year.
The SDLP has previously called on the Northern Ireland Executive and the Irish government to step in and rescue the service from collapse.
The £3.6 million ferry service was originally launched in the North West to carry passengers and vehicles between Counties Londonderry and Donegal.
It began carrying car and foot passengers between Magilligan and Greencastle at the mouth of Lough Foyle in 2002.
See: Passenger and car ferry service for Foyle Lough
(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.
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.
17 June 2002
Passenger and car ferry service for Foyle Lough
A £3.6 million ferry service has been launched in the North West to carry passengers and vehicles between Counties Londonderry and Donegal. The new ferry began carrying car and foot passengers between Magilligan and Greencastle at the mouth of Lough Foyle at the weekend.
Passenger and car ferry service for Foyle Lough
A £3.6 million ferry service has been launched in the North West to carry passengers and vehicles between Counties Londonderry and Donegal. The new ferry began carrying car and foot passengers between Magilligan and Greencastle at the mouth of Lough Foyle at the weekend.
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.
24 September 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.
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.
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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.
