Sea link to Wales - Ports united on ferry deal

TWO meetings took place yesterday and though they are not directly connected each will have an impact on our economy, albeit at different levels.

Yesterday morning efforts to finalise a pay deal got under way at Government Buildings. The talks will be difficult and it is hard to see anyone other than low-paid workers getting any significant increase. The second meeting concerned efforts to reopen a ferry link between the south of the country and Wales.

Representatives of the Port of Cork, Associated British Ports and Swansea Port met and agreed a package of incentives to encourage the reopening of this important sea link. The service ended nearly two years ago and the regional economies have suffered.

Economic success is built on a series of interlocking services, one complimenting the other. A ferry service between Cork and Wales would be a small but significant step towards rejuvenating tourism and creating an air of possibility in the region.

It would also contribute to the prospect pay talks that might be more rewarding for workers than those taking place this week.