THE first car and passenger ferry service across Carlingford Lough is set to make its maiden voyage, following years of opposition from campaigners.
Developers the Frazer Ferries Group have spent close to £8.5 million on the project, building terminals in Greencastle, Co Down and Greenore, Co Louth.
Boats have been ferrying passengers across the lough for years, but this will be the first vehicular service, with the 44-car vessel taking just 15 minutes to traverse the lough.
The project has been in development for nearly a decade and over the years several campaigners have spoken out against the plan, claiming it will damage wildlife in the area.
In 2014, the Greencastle Area Residents' Group met with the then-regional development minister Danny Kennedy to discuss their concerns, stating that if the project went ahead it would exploit "one of the few remaining undeveloped rural coastal locations in Ireland".
Last year, an environmentalist, Christine Gibson, issued High Court proceedings against the granting of planning permission and a marine licence for the Greencastle to Greenore facilities.
She argued that the local wildlife would be affected and claimed environmental assessments carried out by the Newry, Mourne and Down District Council were deficient and their consultation process flawed, however her case was subsequently rejected.
Despite please from campaigners, the ferry is set to begin operations next month.
The service will begin from June 2 and will be running everyday from Greencastle to Greenore on the hour, from 7am to 9pm, with the Greenore to Greencastle service sailing every half hour.
