Tuesday, 9th January 2007

URGENT ACTION NEEDED TO RESTORE CORK TO SWANSEA FERRY SERVICE, SAYS IHF

The Cork and Kerry Branches of the Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) have joined together to call for urgent action to be taken to replace the Cork to Swansea ferry service which has been cancelled for 2007. In particular, the IHF has called on the South West Tourism Development Board to immediately investigate options and incentives for securing an alternative carrier on this vital tourism access route.

According to the Chairpersons of both branches, with regional tourism growth under pressure, the removal of a direct sea access point linking the south of Ireland to a key tourism market is a huge blow to the Cork and Kerry region. It is imperative that every effort be made to preserve and grow Ireland’s regional tourism offering. This is vital for future growth as visitors arriving by ferry travel more extensively throughout the regions, stay for longer periods and contribute more to the local economy through increased expenditure on family-based activities.

Aidan Moynihan of the Cork Branch and Emer Moynihan of the Kerry Branch stated that: “Cancellation of the Cork to Swansea ferry service is of particular concern and represents a serious blow to the ‘brought car’ tourism market from the UK. As a small island, and one of the richest economies in Europe today, it is vital that we put immediate measures in place to safeguard this important element in the South West region’s tourism infrastructure.”

ENDS

For Further Information:
Eoin Quinn / Siobhan Molloy Tel: 01 6760168
Weber Shandwick FCC Mobiles: 087 2332191 / 086 8175066