Statement by Marine Minister Pat the Cope Gallagher, T.D.

Waterford, 25th November 2004

Marine Minister Pat the Cope Gallagher has tonight voiced his concerns over the early suspension of the Irish Ferries Rosslare to Cherbourg service, five days prior to the expected date.

Speaking in Waterford, Minister Gallagher said, Todays decision is unexpected and I am firstly calling on Irish Continental Group to ensure that all effected customers, both passenger and freight, are facilitated on other routes as quickly as possible.

He continued, Also in view of the threatened industrial action scheduled to take place early next week, I am publicly calling on all sides to engage immediately in meaningful discussions with a view to ensuring that the proposed industrial action can be averted and that the needs of the many customers on routes serviced by Irish Continental Group are not adversely affected at this particularly important time leading up to the Christmas period.

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