Minister Dermot Ahern Says New Border Ferry to Benefit Tourism

Wednesday, 25^th September, 2002

The Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, Dermot Ahern TD, today said that the new Cross Border Donegal to Derry ferry would be of tremendous benefit to both locals and visitors and would aid the economic development of the region.

The Minister was speaking at the formal launch of the €6.6 million Lough Foyle ferry, which operates between Greencastle and Magilligan.

Minister Ahern stated: “This new car ferry service not only benefit both the Borough of Limavady and Co. Donegal but extends to the whole of the North Western region.”

“The physical gap between the two communities measures less then 1.6 kms. This small stretch of water has now been successfully bridged. From the tourism perspective the new service, providing immediate access to both sides of Lough Foyle, will prove a magnet for visitors from home and abroad. It will also facilitate ease of travel,” the Minister declared.

He went on to say that the commercial potential of the new operation could not be understated.  “The Ferry will generate substantial time savings travel wise and already the fishing and agricultural business sectors in the region have experienced the benefits of the new linkage. Students from West Donegal attending educational institutions in Limavady Borough and Coleraine will also benefit from reduced travel times,” he said.

The Minister thanked the European Union, the International Fund for Ireland and the local authorities for their support of the project. The project was also assisted by the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources.

ENDS