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18/02/2009
Donegal Ferry Funding Plan 'Sunk'
The North West may be about to lose an important cross-border car ferry link with news today that no Stormont money will be made available to keep the service afloat.
The Regional Development Minister, Conor Murphy, has said his department will not be able to fund the Greencastle-Magilligan ferry (view across the Foyle pictured) when its contract runs out in June.
The Lough Foyle Ferry Company used to receive an annual subsidy but that has now run out.
It has been operating between Magilligan and Greencastle in Co Donegal for the last seven years. It offers a one-mile crossing which takes about 15 minutes.
Yesterday, MLAs called on Conor Murphy to help fund the service, but Mr Murphy said this was not possible because the ferry runs between two jurisdictions and also government budgets were so tight.
"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.
Mr Murphy said he would be "happy to be involved in that process with my own department".
SDLP MLA John Dallat said the Northern Ireland Assembly and the Dáil in the Republic of Ireland should step in.
Last year, the Lough Foyle Ferry Company lost €56,000 with estimates that it could lose nearly €224,000 this year.
See: Derry-Donegal Ferry In Jeopardy
(BMcC/JM)
The Regional Development Minister, Conor Murphy, has said his department will not be able to fund the Greencastle-Magilligan ferry (view across the Foyle pictured) when its contract runs out in June.
The Lough Foyle Ferry Company used to receive an annual subsidy but that has now run out.
It has been operating between Magilligan and Greencastle in Co Donegal for the last seven years. It offers a one-mile crossing which takes about 15 minutes.
Yesterday, MLAs called on Conor Murphy to help fund the service, but Mr Murphy said this was not possible because the ferry runs between two jurisdictions and also government budgets were so tight.
"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.
Mr Murphy said he would be "happy to be involved in that process with my own department".
SDLP MLA John Dallat said the Northern Ireland Assembly and the Dáil in the Republic of Ireland should step in.
Last year, the Lough Foyle Ferry Company lost €56,000 with estimates that it could lose nearly €224,000 this year.
See: Derry-Donegal Ferry In Jeopardy
(BMcC/JM)
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24 April 2009
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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.
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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 WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Dry with good clear spells bringing a rural frost for some and some fog patches in places. Cloudier around the coast of Country Down where the odd light shower may develop. Northerly breezes persisting. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
