Urgent call to restore ferry service

THE urgency of restoring the Cork/Swansea car ferry for the 2009 season was highlighted yesterday, as the tourism industry continues to suffer a sharp decline in the south-west.

The loss of the ferry, two years ago, is reckoned to be costing the region millions of euro worth of business, especially this year when there is a dramatic downturn in visitor numbers.

It is claimed tourism is down by 70% in parts of Kerry this summer, with the recession, foreign exchange rates, oil prices and even the poor weather all combining to keep visitors away.