Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Fianna Fáil agrees with the Order of Business as outlined by the Leader. This week marks a momentous occasion in the lives of the people of both Dún Laoghaire and the island of Ireland because of the decision by Stena Line to shut down its ferry link with Holyhead. This will bring to an end a 204-year history - going back to 1811 - of ferry services in which it was the main ferry port for embarkation to and arrival from the United Kingdom. Like many of my generation and those before and since then, I had occasion to use the boat to England that went from Dún Laoghaire to Holyhead and then the train to Crewe, at which one changed for the train to London. It is a very sad day and I am sure the Leader and Members will agree that we should mark the passing because of the significance of the occasion.