Irish Ferries lodge complaint

IRISH Ferries have lodged a complaint with the EU Commission that financial aid to rival Brittany Ferries from the French Government could lead to the closure of its services to France.

Irish Ferries believe rival operator to France Brittany Ferries has been given a competitive advantage through French State aid at a time the Irish government refuse to back its plans for increased capacity on the route. Irish Ferries carried 220,000 passengers on its French routes last year.

Irish Ferries parent, Irish Continental Group, who brought 1.7 million passengers in and out of Ireland last year, made a case, in 2001, to the Irish Government that they would be prepared to invest in new a new ferry for its highly seasonal Continental ferry service.