Cork-Swansea ferry delay major tourism setback

A DECISION to defer the planned reintroduction of the Cork-Swansea route represents a major setback for the hard-pressed tourism industry in the south-west.

Tourism businesses in the region were praying that the ferry would be back next month, after a three-year absence.

But, yesterday, the co-operative planning to operate the vessel said delays in “tying up loose ends” meant it would not meet the target of reinstating the operation for the summer.

The promoters are now aiming for a launch next March.

The ferry is worth up to €50 million a year to the south-west.

The decision to postpone the relaunch of the route was described as “extremely disappointing” by mayor of Co Cork, Noel Harrington.

“I think a lot of tourist operators in west Cork were really counting on the ferry’s return this year. However, if operating it late in the season would threaten its viability then we have to take that on board. It just fell short, but I’m very confident it will be up and running for next year.”

Between 1987 and 2006, Swansea-Cork Ferries brought 2,850,000 passengers and 700,000 cars into Cork. The loss of the ferry has resulted in a big decrease in tourists visiting the region, particularly hitting hotels, B&Bs, restaurants and camping centres.

It was estimated that tourists travelling the other direction spent nearly €70m annually in south Wales.

Both the Port of Cork and British Associated Ports, which runs the Port of Swansea, were anxious to see the ferry service resume.

They both offered incentives to get it off the ground and say these incentives will stay in place for 2010.

County manager Martin Riordan said the return of the ferry represented a critical investment for tourism access to west Cork.

“It is important that its development and launch is carefully planned and programmed to ensure success. I wish to acknowledge the tremendous efforts of the west Cork community in securing local funding for the project. The county council remains committed to providing marketing funding up to €250,000 for the venture,” he said.

Cork County Council and Fáilte Ireland have both promised to provide money for the marketing campaign.

The council has committed €250,000 to the campaign and Fáilte Ireland is expected to at least match that sum.

Some months ago, West Cork Tourism decided to raise money to re-establish the route.

Shareholders, who subsequently formed the co-op, raised €3m.

They identified the Julia as an ideal vessel and entered into talks with a Finnish bank that owned her.

A deal was struck a few weeks ago and it had been hoped that she would start plying the route next month.

However, the unexpected delays have resulted in the postponement.

The co-op is now looking at March 1, 2010, as the date for the first sailing.