Former minister backs reprieve for Swansea to Cork route

Swansea to Cork Ferries may continue to operate if the Welsh Assembly government steps in to help with their finances, according to a former cabinet minister.

Peter Hain, who was Welsh secretary under Tony Blair, co-signed a letter to tourism minister Edwina Hart drafted by West Cork Tourism Co-operative Society, which is the owner of the service operator Fastnet Holdings, the South Wales Evening Post reports.

The society needs to raise €1.65 million (£1.38 million) to emerge from the examinership process in order to relaunch the stalled service on March 31st, but another £800,000 is needed to reach this total.

Ms Hart has promised a swift response and vice chairman of the West Cork Tourism Co-operative John Williams said he hopes for a meeting with her soon.

He described the Swansea to Cork ferry as "an essential service with huge benefits" for both Wales and Ireland.

The Cooperative had previously started running services in March 2010 after raising €3 million to purchase a new ferry.

Posted by Andrew Smith
 

Holyhead - Dun Laoghaire

1 x Foot Passenger(s) Return

Travelling on:

07/07/2012 - 08/07/2012

£32

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Holyhead - Dublin

Car + 2 Return

Travelling on:

23/03/2012 - 24/03/2012

£156

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Holyhead - Dublin

Car + 4 Return

Travelling on:

03/03/2012 - 04/03/2012

£208

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