andMr. Wyse asked the Minister for Transport if he will arrange for the immediate restoration of the Cork-Wales ferry link in the interests of the commercial and tourist development of the Cork-Kerry region; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Cork-Wales Ferry Link.
293.
Mr. Gene Fitzgerald, Mr. Lyons, Mr. Wallace
Because of the substantial losses incurred on its Cork-Pembroke service, the B & I Company terminated the service with effect from 3 February, 1983. At the request of the Government, however, the company operated a summer service this year between Cork and Pembroke. Local support for the summer service, which was operated from 16 June to 12 September, was disappointing — as will be seen from the traffic figures given in my reply to a question on the subject on 6 December, 1983 — and the service incurred heavy losses.
I understand that Cork Harbour Commissioners have commissioned a study of the possibilities of a viable cross-channel service from Cork. The results of this study are not yet available.