RESIDENTS of an island off Co Donegal claim they are being treated as “forgotten people” after it was revealed a new ferry link is to be operated by a 42-year-old boat.
The Republic’s islands minister, Donegal TD Joe McHugh, is to meet people on Tory Island today to discuss their concerns.
It follows the unveiling of plans to replace the island’s existing ferry service with a vessel which was built in 1976.
Nine miles out from the Donegal coast, Tory is home to approximately 150 people but is frequently isolated from the mainland during winter months.
Earlier this week, Mr McHugh confirmed that the contract to operate the Tory ferry service from next April had been won by Realt na Maidne Teoranta (the Morning Star Company).
The minister said the 'Queen of Aran' would operate a passenger and light cargo service.
“The vessel that will come into operation, the Queen of Aran, offers an improvement in speed, cargo capacity and facilities,” he said.
However, following a meeting on the island this week, the 'King of Tory', Patsy Dan Rodgers, said islanders deserved better than a 42-year-old boat.
He said Tory’s potential as a visitor attraction was not being realised.
He told the Tirconail Tribune newspaper : “We are treated as the forgotten people and anything will do.”
Mr McHugh said he has asked his officials to revisit the situation.
“In the meantime, I am arranging to meet with representatives of the Tory community without delay in order to discuss their concerns,” he said.
