Blow as Rosslare-France ferry cancelled

PLANS by Irish Ferries to no longer run a ferry between Rosslare and France are being described as a “big blow.”

The company said it is “unlikely” to operate the service next year, but will keep the situation under review.

In a statement, they said: “Irish Ferries wish to inform our customers that we’re unlikely to operate a service between Rosslare and France in 2019. We continue to keep this situation under review.

“Feedback from our customers suggests that it is easier to travel to Dublin Port for most people than it is to get to Rosslare.”

The Junior Tourism Minister Brendan Griffin said the service is important for the South East region.

He said the ferry crossing mainly facilitates Irish tourists holidaying in France, but it also brings French and other European tourists to the region.

Sinn Féin TD David Cullinane said it is devastating news for the south-east, especially given the uncertainty around Brexit:

Mr Cullinane said: “Obviously at a time when people were hoping for an increased capacity to ensure that we protect the south-east from the worst of Brexit, and bear in mind also that the south-east has a big agri-food sector as well.

“I think this will be a huge concern for farmers, for food producers, for the agri-food sector, obviously for passengers as well and for businesses generally.”

The company will continue to run a passenger service between Rosslare and Pembroke year round.

Britanny Ferries continue to operate from Cork to Roscoff and could see an increase in business if the Rosslare service is axed.