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"Local ferries are good for
commerce"
09.02.09
A LOCAL senator has
called for all avenues to be
explored in a bid to save the Lough Swilly and Lough
Foyle ferries.
Senator Cecilia Keaveney said the ferry company's
reliance on public subsidies to operate was
difficult to solve in the current negative economic
climate.
“I believe every option must be explored. The both
car ferries have opened up new options both from a
tourism and sheer practical aspect. |
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"I have been a regular
user of the Foyle ferry. I can use it as an
alternative method of going to Dublin, amongst other
locations. It is important that in seeking to have a
boat sailing on both the Foyle and Swilly that we,
the local customers, are prepared to back the
venture with our custom. Kind words and platitudes
do not assist a business |
as strongly as
purchasing their product," said Senator Keaveney.
Citing Interreg funding as one option, the
Moville-based senator said she had made initial
approaches to Minister Eamon O Cuív and Minister
Martin Cullen on the issue. "The priority matter
currently must be to have as many people within the
industry explore the commercial opportunities
offered by these unique routes.
"We need to market their potential and, again, as
locals, lead the drive to underscore these ferries
as good commercial ventures," she added. |
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