01/04/2005
Sir Reg Empey welcomes ferry service effort
Senior Ulster Unionist, and former trade Minister, Sir Reg Empey, has welcomed the decision to invite tenders aimed at restoring the Campbeltown to Ballycastle ferry service.
He said: “As Trade Minister five years ago, I held discussions with Scottish Office Minister Brian Wilson to ascertain options which may improve the viability of the route. We did what we could, but unfortunately there was not sufficient interest from operators.
“I trust it will be different this time round. The promise of a £1 million subsidy will go a long way to persuading potential operators that this is a viable route with a long-term future.”
His statement comes after Enterprise Minister Barry Gardiner and Scottish Minister Nicol Stephen announced on Thursday that there would be a renewed effort to reinstate the ferry service which last ran in 1997.
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 £1m annual subsidy over the five years.
(CD/SP)
He said: “As Trade Minister five years ago, I held discussions with Scottish Office Minister Brian Wilson to ascertain options which may improve the viability of the route. We did what we could, but unfortunately there was not sufficient interest from operators.
“I trust it will be different this time round. The promise of a £1 million subsidy will go a long way to persuading potential operators that this is a viable route with a long-term future.”
His statement comes after Enterprise Minister Barry Gardiner and Scottish Minister Nicol Stephen announced on Thursday that there would be a renewed effort to reinstate the ferry service which last ran in 1997.
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 £1m annual subsidy over the five years.
(CD/SP)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.