Cork Swansea ferry surpasses target for passengers in 2010

THE ferry service operating between Cork and Swansea has exceeded all expectations and will have carried around 85,000 passengers before the end of the year.

Three years ago, Swansea Cork Ferries withdrew its service on the route and it was only last March that the Fastnet Line-owned MV Julia reinstated operations.

Conor Buckley, chairman of the cooperative which formed the Fastnet Line, said he was “very happy” the company had surpassed its initial target to carry 70,000 passengers this year.

He said nearly 70% of passengers using the ferry were holidaying in Cork and Kerry and it is believed the service has provided a financial boost of up to €35 million.

“I am confident that we will carry in excess of 100,000 passengers next year and with the rub of the green, that figure could climb even closer to the 120,000 mark.”

During the heyday of Swansea Cork Ferries, its vessels carried anything between 130,000 and 140,000 passengers a year.

While Munster is benefiting more from the reinstated sailings, business leaders in Swansea are also very happy.

Mike Wood, the Fastnet Line’s British general manager, said he was delighted with the number of people visiting south Wales.

Swansea City Council has reported a rise in the number of visitors to the area, up from 1.66 million to 1.74m.

Tourism groups on the Welsh side are planning a major marketing campaign in Cork next year to attract more people to their shores.

Plans are already in train to buy a replacement ferry for the aging MV Julia, but Mr Buckley said it could be at least five years before that happens. “The most important thing at the moment is to get passenger numbers up and to get more equity into the business.

“We hope that with increased passengers numbers next year the revenue to the Cork and Kerry regions will go up to €50m.”

The Fastnet Line recently launched a Business Expansion Scheme offering tax breaks to investors. “We intend to use the money raised through that for ongoing refurbishment of the ship and further marketing.”