Statement : Magilligan to Greencastle Ferry Service

Thu, June 09, 2016

Statement : Magilligan to Greencastle Ferry Service

Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council has been informed that, in order to carry out extra work to ensure the long-term and reliable operation of an enhanced Magilligan to Greencastle ferry service, vessel improvements are being carried out by the new operator with the aim of launching the service, subject to completion of work on the ferry, as early as possible during the start of the peak holiday season.

A Council official was updated this morning (Tuesday 31st May) that, whilst the new operator has recognised the impact a delay to the launch date of the route can have on the communities and tourism, they wish to enhance the long-term reliability of the service to ensure the vessel meets the same standards at the remainder of the fleet operated by the company in the Republic of Ireland.

Frazer Ferries, who wish to develop the Magilligan route in line with their network of ferries in the Republic of Ireland and with the imminent Carlingford service, successfully completed a tender process through Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council and Donegal County Council earlier this year following a decision by the previous operator not to continue providing a ferry on the Magilligan to Greencastle route.

Whilst Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council is mindful of the importance of launching the service as soon as possible, the Council is encouraged by the investment being made by Frazer Ferries with the goal of providing a long-term commitment to a reliable and more frequent service from Magilligan to Greencastle.

The operator hopes to be in a position to provide a start date for the service in the coming days. This will be released by Council once received.

ENDS