THE ferry service linking counties Donegal and Derry, which had fallen victim to the economic decline, is to be resurrected this summer.
Limerick-based Frazer Ferries - the company also behind the proposed service across the mouth of Carlingford Lough between Greenore and Greencastle in Co Down - confirmed yesterday that it will take over the running of the Lough Foyle Ferry Company from this summer.
The Greencastle (Donegal)-to-Magilligan service, which had previously been part-funded by the Donegal and now-defunct Limavady councils, had been operating since 2002, during which time it carried close to three millions passengers.
It is seen as a vital link to the island's tourism infrastructure, linking the Wild Atlantic Way in Donegal to the Giant’s Causeway and Glens of Antrim route.
But last October former ferryman Jim McClenaghan (68) stopped operating the service, which had been run on a shoestring budget and which was propped up by government subsidies.
At that time he sold his ferry - which had been used by tourists and commuters, who could save an average 90 minutes’ drive daily - to Frazer Ferries.
And yesterday Paul O’Sullivan of Frazer Ferries confirmed that his company has secured the tender to operate the Greencastle-Magilligan service for the next three years, with the option for another four years.
"We'll be taking over from this summer and believe it will be a huge boost to the tourism offer," he told the Irish News.
Sinn Féin MLA Caoimhe Archibald said: "This is a hugely positive development, one that is crucial for the development of the region.
"It ends months of uncertainty and will help boost the summer tourism industry and improve accessibility."
Mr O'Sullivan was speaking as Frazer Ferries also confirmed the purchase of Passage East Ferry Company in Waterford, one of Ireland’s most established domestic ferry services.
Passage East, which connects Waterford City with the Hook Peninsula in Wexford, is a profitable and cash-generative business (turnover last year was €1.6m), and it generated significant interest when it was put up for sale last December.
Mr O’Sullivan added: “Passage East is a long-established business and provides a vital service in the region. We look forward to working closely with the team as we embark on this next exciting chapter.”
But he insisted that Frazer Ferries's expansion into Foyle and Waterford won't negatively impact on the company's push to open its Carlingford Lough car ferry service linking south Down and Louth.
The Greencastle to Greenore car ferry service was meant make its first sailing at Easter, but was pushed back to next year after all the necessary preparatory work didn't happen because of changes to the company's original proposals, which in turn prompted objections from residents who claim the proposal is "riddled with flaws".
