Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 November 2004
96 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the action he is taking to reopen a ferry service (details supplied) from Rosslare to France; the discussions he has had with the EU Commission on the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31173/04]
View answerI understand that the Deputy is referring to P & O Irish Sea Ferries announcement that in December 2004 it will end its ferry service between Rosslare and Cherbourg. TheP & O service is provided by their ship, the European Diplomat, and cater, inter alia, for live cattle exports.
I have met my colleague, the Minister for Agriculture and Food, Deputy Coughlan, to consider the implications of the P & O announcement. The Irish Maritime Development Office, IMDO, the State's development agency for the shipping and shipping services sector, which reports to me, has been tasked with seeking to facilitate the provision of a similar service. With representatives of the livestock haulage sector and farmers representatives, the IMDO has been in contact with port and shipping sector interests in the above regard. These contacts are ongoing.
I have not been in communication with the European Commission regarding the provision of State aid for a new Rosslare-Cherbourg ferry service. There is no reason at this stage to believe that the market cannot provide a suitable ferry service. Procuring European Commission approval for any new State aid for our maritime sector would take a long time. I am hopeful that a new ferry service can be introduced without such aid.
