Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 106: To ask the Minister for Transport if progress has been made on the re-establishment of the Cork- Swansea ferry route; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32713/08]

Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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The Cork Swansea Ferry Company suspended its service in 2007. I can appreciate the concerns that have been expressed in the region in response to this development. I understand that 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. Port of Cork Company has also carried out a commercial examination of the route. This indicates that, subject to procuring a suitable vessel, the service could be feasible on a year round basis. As Minister of State for Transport, I feel 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 certainly hope that the current efforts show that the service is commercially viable and that it can be resumed as soon as possible.