Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I wish to raise the issue of the Cork to Swansea ferry link as I am seriously concerned because we are now facing into a third year without this ferry service. I recall in 1989 that we were without a service in the southern region, which led to a significant economic backlash for freight, tourism, etc. In Cork and Kerry in particular we are largely dependent on tourism.

In that period 1989-90, I was chairman of Cork County Council, as well as being a Senator. With the help of local authorities such as Cork County Council, Kerry County Council and Cork City Corporation, as well as Government input, the ferry service was restored. I cannot emphasise enough that this lack of service amounts to a loss of approximately €50 million or €60 million each year. In 2007, the operator of the ferry service sold the ship, which was regrettable, with a sincere view to providing another ferry. This has not happened.

To take an example, my local golf club — I am not a great golfer by any means — has seen its green fees down almost 50%. Restaurants in the peninsular areas of west Cork, Beara, Mizen, Sheepshead and all over south Kerry have suffered because this ferry, in operation for the past 20 years, is no longer in operation. It is critical that it be restored.

I have been told that because of competition laws, the Minister cannot interfere or give a financial injection but we are now facing a three-week window of opportunity to get this boat afloat. I acknowledge that currently, the mayors of Cork County Council, Kerry, Cork city and those in the Cork port authority are combined in a unique effort to try to get this service back up and running. In 2007, when the service stopped initially, people did not realise the financial consequences — both for tourism and freight — to the region.

From an environmental perspective we can consider carbon footprints in the context of the Kyoto agreement. It would be much better if a large ship carrying many freight vessels and cars could be used to ferry people from Wales and many parts of England to the southern region of this country. Tourism to Cork and Kerry is critical. Many people from either Wales or parts of England have retired to west Cork and they would have used the ferry frequently. I emigrated and lived in London for a while so I have used the ferry over the years.

I urge that the Minister responsible intervene in the matter before it is too late. I understand this has much to do with tourism but technically, the Minister for Transport, Deputy Noel Dempsey, has responsibility. Time is of the essence in the matter and what we need to bring the ferry back is security of tenure over five or seven years. This would mean people in the southern part of this country, mainly Cork and Kerry, can be assured of the only ferry available. The services in Rosslare and Dún Laoghaire do a fine job for other parts of Ireland but the loss of this ferry in Cork is immense. I cannot stress this enough and I urge that action be taken.

If financial support cannot be provided, surely the Ministers for Transport and Arts, Sport and Tourism could act as facilitators to add weight to the case being made for the restoration of the ferry service. If we are to be without the service for three years, having regard for the economic downturn we are facing, the loss of tourism to this region will have significant consequences for bed and breakfasts, hotels, guest houses and restaurants. We cannot sustain that pressure for another year.

Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I thank Senator Denis O'Donovan for raising the matter. I know he has a deep interest in this ferry service and has spoken about it before. The Swansea Cork Ferries Company suspended its service in 2007. I can fully appreciate the concerns that have been expressed in the region in response to this development.

I understand a number of interested parties and stakeholders have been in discussions with the Port of Cork Company about the possibility of commencing a new passenger and freight service out of the port. The Port of Cork carried out a commercial examination of the route, which indicates that subject to procuring a suitable vessel, the service could be feasible on a year-round basis. The Port of Cork Company will do what it can to facilitate the resumption of the service.

It is important that the market offers a diverse range of maritime links in and out of the State. This is vital to facilitate trade and tourism. I hope that the efforts being made will show that the service is commercially viable and that it can be resumed as soon as possible.

There are some other general points regarding recent developments in the maritime sector. The Department of Transport has responsibility for national ports policy, which provides a framework for the provision of commercial port infrastructure and services that are efficient, effective and adequate for the needs of our trading economy. In addition, the Minister for Transport is the primary shareholder, as the Senator knows, in the ten State-owned port companies, including the Port of Cork Company. However, he has no role in the day-to-day operational matters of the company.

The principal objectives of Port of Cork Company are to take all proper measures for the management, control, operation and development of its harbour. Current policy is to require the ports to operate commercially, without Exchequer support, and to provide adequate in-time capacity for the future needs of the economy. I am aware there has been great disappointment in Cork lately with the recent decision of An Bord Pleanála on the Oyster Bank project, which left many people surprised.

Senator O'Donovan's matter is basically concerned with the ferry service and I hope the talks under way will bring about a positive result. I note the Senator's concerns and I will speak to the Minister, Deputy Noel Dempsey, further about the matter.