County Council '˜in negotiations' for Swilly Ferry service

The news has been welcomed after calls for the service to be in place for the busy summer season.

Last year’s Buncrana to Rathmullan service was operated by the Arranmore Car and Passenger Service, which had the option of a ‘roll-over’ extension for three years.

They had a successful season in 2015, their first in operation of the Swilly service. There was an initial difficulty in their first week of running it, when the ferry got stuck in sand just 20 metres from the pier.

It is understood that dredging has been underway at Buncrana pier in recent weeks.

Inishowen Municipal District chairperson Councillor Rena Donaghey said discussions are underway with the operator. She added that if and when they are finalised, she hoped the tender could be extended to five years to ensure the operation of the service.

Councillor Donaghey said the ferry was “vital” to Inishowen, particularly in relation to the Wild Atlantic Way and recent developments in Malin Head and it remains a popular attraction in and for the peninsula.