A decision on the future of the Greencastle to Magilligan ferry service has been put on hold.
The directors of the Foyle Ferry Company made the decision following a meeting with politicians from both sides of the border.
TDs and councillors from all political parties in the Republic and elected representatives from the North met the company directors to hear at first hand the financial implications if the service was to continue without subvention.
Speaking afterwards, East Derry SDLP MLA John Dallat described the meeting as “positive and constructive” that hopefully would lead to a long-term solution which would ensure the future of the service.
He added: “This ferry service which has played a major role in the development of tourism both in Donegal and in the North over the last 12 years.
‘We need to find a short-term solution to ensure the service resumes in the Spring but it is also imperative that ministers in Dail Eireann and the Northern Ireland Assembly recognise the need to jointly fund the future operation of the service to ensure its long-term viability.”
Mr Dallat, who has raised the ferry issue in the Northern Ireland Assembly on a number of occasions, said the amount of money needed was “miniscule” compared to the amount spent on the Strangford Ferry which is run directly by the Department of Regional Development and receives financial support in the region of £2 million a year.
Mr Dallat added: “Given the will and commitment it should be possible to convince the directors of the Foyle Ferry Service to continue ferrying cars and passengers across the Foyle for the foreseeable future.”
Mr Dallat concluded: “Over the next few weeks meetings will be arranged with various bodies to ensure that the strategy worked out delivers for the people North and South of the border”
The Foyle Ferry Company received some financial assistance from Donegal County Council and Limavady Borough Council which has apparently has ceased.
Since it was introduced 12 years ago the service, which operates across Lough Foyle between Greencastle Harbour in Inishowen and Magilligan in Co Derry – has carried over two million passengers.
A ferry service on Lough Swilly from Buncrana to Rathmullan, also operated by the Inishowen-based company, has ceased after it failed to acquire funding.
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