Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 January 2019
534. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the recent announcement of a company (details supplied) that it would be unlikely to operate Rosslare to Cherbourg and Rosslare to Roscoff services in 2019, particularly in view of Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2341/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraIrish Ferries announced in December that it is unlikely to operate a ferry service from Rosslare to France in 2019 but that it intends to substantially increase capacity on its Dublin to Cherbourg route. Irish Ferries is a private commercial company and any decision taken by the company to change services is a commercial decision for the company.
In 2018, Irish Ferries had three weekly sailings from Rosslare to Cherbourg/Roscoff during the Summer months. Currently, Stena Line operates three weekly sailings from Rosslare to Cherbourg.
There is on-going engagement between the Department, ports and shipping companies in relation to Brexit. The new Irish Ferries vessel, the WB Yeats, will result in a year round freight capacity on a direct service from Dublin to France, significantly increasing capacity for both freight and tourism on a direct route to Europe.
