Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 November 2004
81 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the likely impact on Rosslare port of the decision of a company (details supplied) to axe jobs on its services to Roscoff and Cherbourg in France; his views on whether these remain viable routes given the company’s decision to cut back its services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31263/04]
View answerIarnród Éireann, operating under the aegis of the Department of Transport, which is responsible for the management and operation of Rosslare Europort. Irish Continental Group plc announced on 20 October 2004 that it is restructuring, not ending or cutting back, the Ireland-France ferry service it operates through Irish Ferries. I also understand that the current Irish Ferries service to France will end not later than 30 November 2004 and that a new service will be introduced on 4 March 2005. It is normal practice for this service not to operate for a winter period. Accordingly, no adverse impact arises for Rosslare Europort from Irish Continental Group's current restructuring proposals.
I have met both with local public representatives and with union representatives to consider the company's announcement; I have also spoken with the company. Irish Continental Group alerted the Department in 2002 to its concerns that another shipping company planning to operate an Ireland-France ferry service may have received inappropriate State aid. My predecessor, the Minister, Deputy Dermot Ahern, raised the matter with the European Commission, which investigated Irish Continental Group's complaint. I understand that its investigation did not lead to any further action being taken by the Commission.
I wrote to the then Commissioner Designate for Competition, and now Commissioner, Ms Neelie Kroes, in October 2004 seeking a meeting with her at an appropriate time to discuss ferry operations on the Ireland-France route. That meeting will be held as soon as practicable.
The availability of a ro-ro ferry service to France is a valuable element in our trade and tourism links with the Continent. It is a means of avoiding the UK landbridge, through affording cost effective alternatives to our importers and exporters, and the Government is supportive of its retention.
