Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 95: To ask the Minister for Transport his views on the re-establishment of the Cork-Swansea ferry as a link to facilitate the development of tourism in the south west; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40980/08]

Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 128: To ask the Minister for Transport his views on whether the suspension of the Cork-Swansea ferry in 2007 has had a detrimental effect on tourism in the south west; if attempts have been made to quantify these adverse effects; and if his attention has been drawn to the efforts to re-establish that tourist link. [40981/08]

Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 95 and 128 together.

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. My colleague, Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey, T.D., recently met with representatives from county councils in Cork and Kerry who outlined to him the detrimental effects this suspension has had in the South West.

Quantification of adverse effects on tourism in the region would be a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Arts, Sports and Tourism, Mr. Martin Cullen, T.D.

The Port of Cork Company is continuing to engage in discussions with a number of interested parties and stakeholders with a view to the latter commencing a new passenger and freight service on the Cork-Swansea route. The Port of Cork Company also completed a feasibility study on the route and this indicated that a service, subject to procuring a suitable vessel, could be feasible for an operator for year round passenger and freight operations. The Port of Cork Company will continue to do what it can to facilitate resumption of a service.

As Minister of State for Transport, I feel it is important that the market offers a diverse range of viable 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.