Concern over provision of winter passenger ferry service to Inis Mor
Galway Bay fm newsroom - Concerns have been raised over the future provision of a passenger ferry service to Inis Mor during the off-peak winter months, in the absense of a State subsidy.
The matter was raised in the Seanad this week where Galway Senator Fidelma Healy Eames said the local co-op had fears for the uncertainty of the service.It's now a year since the Government subsidised contract ceased for the passenger ferry leading to fare price increases for islanders.Expressions of interest had been sought at the time for a further five year contract up to 2018, however no tenders were received.Subsequent discussions with the provider failed after a request for an increase in the annual subvention was turned down.Seantor Healy Eames told the Seanad that islanders have been hit with significant travel increases and now fear the winter service may be in jeopardy.Speaking on behalf of Minister Dinny McGinley, Minister Jan O'Sullivan said the Department is aware of the current operator's concerns regarding the viability of the winter service.However she said while the Department is open to finding a solution to the problem, there are no plans to readvertise the tender.