Foyle Ferry Refloated

A lifeline has been thrown to a fast-sinking cross-border car ferry service.

The crisis-hit Lough Foyle Ferry - which was due to cease services this week for good - is to continue until at least Christmas, on the understanding that new funding is found.

The Magilligan to Greencastle link was due to end on Wednesday because it was making unsustainable losses.

Now, owner Jim McClenaghan has agreed to keep the ferry running following a last-minute meeting of councillors from both counties Limavady and Donegal.

It is now up to each set of political representatives to find new and permanent funding.

Limavady Borough Council has already pledged £100,000 to keep the ferry operational, but the money will not be available until April.

The ferry service had been funded by an annual government subsidy, which ran out in June.

It was extended for a further three months, but ended on 30 September.

An application is pending for EC funds, but that won't be concluded until 2010.

Both councils have already made a joint application under the Rural Development Measure of the European Interreg IVA programme to fund the service.

The SDLP East Derry MLA John Dallat has welcomed the reprieve for the Foyle Ferry Service but called for a long-term solution which gives the service a reasonable chance of success.

"This state of confusion cannot continue beyond the three months," he said.

"The ferry service is not a light bulb, it cannot be switched on and off and serious questions need to be asked as to whether an application was made for European funds well in advance of the expiry of the present contract.

"My enquiries suggests that was not done and an explanation is needed as to why not.

"All parties should be working in harmony to retain for north Donegal, Limavady and the Causeway Coast a ferry service which has a long-term future, offers value for money and can be promoted in tourist literature which is prepared over a year in advance to send to different parts of the world.

"The present stop-start is giving the ferry service no chance at all and someone must take responsibility for the shambles," he concluded.

See: Foyle Ferry Fails?

(BMcC/KMcA)