CALL FOR URGENT ACTION ON INIS MOR FERRY CONTRACT

Date Published: 01-Feb-2013

Galway West Deputy Eamon O'Cuiv is calling on the governement to retender its ferry contract for the Aran Island of Inis Mor.

Ferry travel fares for the largest island increased from 8 to 15 euro today after the government discontinued its contract yesterday.

40 thousand euro was provided per year as part of the previous contract but the existing operator had sought an increase which the department said it was not in a position to sanction.

Fianna Fail Deputy O'Cuiv says the fare increase adds significantly to the cost of living on Inis Mor and the lack of contract removes any previous conditions of service for islander travel.

He's calling for some form of State subsidy for the tickets as an interim measure and says the contract must be retendered.

He raised the matter with Minister Dinny McGinley in the Dail last evening.

Responding, Minister Dinny McGinley said his Department is doing its upmost to provide services to the Island.