Irish Ferries owner's profits hit by falling numbers, web sales up

Before-tax profits at ferries group Irish Continental were down €500,000, from €1.9m to €1.4m, in the first half of 2004, compared with the same period last year.

The Irish Ferries and Tara Travel owner said passenger numbers were affected by a decline in the foot passenger market, leading to an 8% drop in overall passengers to 691,000.