This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/wales/south_west/7485735.stm
The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Previous version
1
Next version
Version 0 | Version 1 |
---|---|
Campaigners aim to restore ferry | Campaigners aim to restore ferry |
(about 2 hours later) | |
A campaign has been launched to reinstate the Swansea to Cork ferry. | |
This is the second year the service, which carried some 120,000 passengers annually, has not sailed after the original operator sold its vessel. | |
An e-petition set up by two Irish businessman has so far attracted 1,000 supporters. | |
It is claimed it has cost Cork's economy about £40m, and although south Wales has not been so badly hit there is also support there for its return. | |
The Bringing Back the Swansea Cork Ferry campaign was set up recently by John Hosford and Adrian Brentnall. | The Bringing Back the Swansea Cork Ferry campaign was set up recently by John Hosford and Adrian Brentnall. |
Mr Hosford, who runs a garden centre and coffee shop in Clonakilty, said they wanted to see tourism and commerce flourish in West Cork. | Mr Hosford, who runs a garden centre and coffee shop in Clonakilty, said they wanted to see tourism and commerce flourish in West Cork. |
"We think it's of social and economic benefit to both the south west of Ireland and to south Wales to have the ferry running," he said. | "We think it's of social and economic benefit to both the south west of Ireland and to south Wales to have the ferry running," he said. |
"UK-registered cars have been very conspicuous by their absence since the ferry stopped and there's no doubt a lot of businesses have suffered as a result." | |
The return of the ferry would see money flowing into the economies on both sides within an hour of it docking John Hosford | The return of the ferry would see money flowing into the economies on both sides within an hour of it docking John Hosford |
The campaign site cites businesses including golf courses, a kayaking school, market traders and a courier company in the region that have been hit. | The campaign site cites businesses including golf courses, a kayaking school, market traders and a courier company in the region that have been hit. |
West Cork Tourism estimates it has caused a drop off in trade of 50m euros (£40m) annually. | |
Although there are flights to Cork, including from Cardiff, campaigners say the ferry is convenient for families. | Although there are flights to Cork, including from Cardiff, campaigners say the ferry is convenient for families. |
Mr Hosford said the aim was to raise awareness among politicians on both sides of the Irish Sea and to demonstrate to potential operators there was demand for the service. | Mr Hosford said the aim was to raise awareness among politicians on both sides of the Irish Sea and to demonstrate to potential operators there was demand for the service. |
"The return of the Swansea to Cork Ferry would see money flowing into the economies on both sides within an hour of it docking," he added. | "The return of the Swansea to Cork Ferry would see money flowing into the economies on both sides within an hour of it docking," he added. |
The Port of Cork said it had been actively working to attract a new operator. | The Port of Cork said it had been actively working to attract a new operator. |
A spokeswoman said meetings were planned in the the next few weeks with tourism leaders in Ireland and Associated British Ports which runs the docks in Swansea. | A spokeswoman said meetings were planned in the the next few weeks with tourism leaders in Ireland and Associated British Ports which runs the docks in Swansea. |
The Swansea to Cork ferry was launched in 1987 and ran for 19 years before the operator sold the boat in late 2006. | The Swansea to Cork ferry was launched in 1987 and ran for 19 years before the operator sold the boat in late 2006. |
It blamed the collapse of a £22m deal to buy a replacement for the route closing. | It blamed the collapse of a £22m deal to buy a replacement for the route closing. |
Swansea Council said despite the loss of the ferry tourism to the city increased by 4% in 2007 with £278m being spent last year. | Swansea Council said despite the loss of the ferry tourism to the city increased by 4% in 2007 with £278m being spent last year. |
But a spokesman added: "We will continue to be supportive of any viable proposals that come forward to restore the ferry link between Swansea and Cork." | But a spokesman added: "We will continue to be supportive of any viable proposals that come forward to restore the ferry link between Swansea and Cork." |
Previous version
1
Next version