Cork-Britain ferry link ‘to start in June’

Cork is set for a new ferry link with Britain from early June, it was claimed today.

Shareholders in the company established to operate the service last night backed a deal to purchase a modern ferry from a Finnish bank.

The bank has yet to go the courts in the next few days to approve the deal but this is regarded as only a formality.

Up to 300 shareholders in the new ferry line, Fastnet Line, met in the West Cork Hotel in Skibbereen last night to agree the deal. Port of Cork marketing executive Capt. Mick McCarthy described the turnout and share investment as “simply fantastic”.

The Port executive said there was a tight deadline now on a June deadline as there are a lot of formalities involved. But an early conclusion of the deal with the Finnish bank will be significant.

Capt. Mc Carthy said the Government should recognise the commitment of people in Cork who were prepared to purchase shares in the new company in the current economic crisis.

The basis for the deal to purchase the MS Julia from a Finnish bank for the resumption of the Swansea Cork ferry service has been met with huge positivity.

Speaking of the outcome, Conor Buckley, chairman of West Cork Tourism and newly appointed chairman of the co-operative, expressed his delight, saying: “This is what we have been working towards and what we hoped the outcome would be from tonight. Shareholders recognised the great deal that has been negotiated and wholeheartedly gave it their backing.

“I am extremely proud of the region and of all those who have pledged their money and support to this great cause which holds the key for the future of the south west.”

The new ferry will restore a link that ended three years ago and which had been a major tourism source for the Cork-Kerry region since the 60s. Its loss was regarded as a major body blow for tourism in Cork and Kerry, with a significant fall in British visitors.

Article courtesy of The Evening Echo newspaper.