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.

The Irish Hotels’ Federation Kerry branch has called on employees to agree to a pay freeze until the end of the 2009 season because of the crisis facing the industry.

Civic leaders in Cork and Kerry are being asked to join forces to revitalise the Cork/Swansea car ferry for the 2009 season.

The Cork Port Authority is also involved in trying to attract a carrier and Fáilte Ireland has given an undertaking to market the route.

Cork County Council Mayor Noel Harrington, Cork City Council Mayor Brian Birmingham and Kerry Mayor Tom Fleming have been called on to set up a working group with a view to re-establishing a ferry service.

Pointing out that councils in the region had supported the service in the past, Kerry-based FG councillor Michael Connor-Scarteen said the experience of ferry operations in Greece and Sweden was that the most successful were those that were supported by a number of public bodies.

“Since the cancellation of the Cork/Swansea ferry, two years ago, and especially this year, the losses to the region have been huge. The overall loss is estimated at €30 million,” said Mr Connor-Scarteen, a member of the South West Regional Authority.

The council also supported a motion by FF Cllr John Brassil to appoint a tourism officer in Kerry next year to promote Kerry exclusively.

Indications from different parts of Kerry suggest a massive downturn in tourism. SF councillor Robert Beasley, from Ballybunion, said there had been a drop of 70% and golf was badly hit because the American market was down.

Meanwhile, many hotels in Cork and Kerry are looking to the home market to salvage the season and are offering competitive packages to attract business.