Return of ferry service welcomed

The resumption of a roll-on-roll-off ferry service between Rosslare and Cherbourg was welcomed yesterday by Agriculture and Food Minister Mary Coughlan and by farm leaders.

New operators will use the European Diplomat (now renamed the Diplomat) which had been operated on the route by P&O until late 2004. The vessel sailed on Tuesday night carrying 17 livestock trucks and the service is expected to operate three times a week.

As well as transporting freight and some passengers, the service will also carry live animals to continental markets.