Foyle ferry could be back for summer season

Members of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council agreed on Tuesday night to tender for a new ferry operator.

The process is a joint project between Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council and Donegal County Council.

Aiden McPeak, Council’s Director of Environmental Services told members attending the Environmental Services Committee at Cloonavin, that he was aware of an operator who was keen to tender for the service.

He added that no subsidy would be given by either of the two councils.

The Lough Foyle Ferry Company, who had previously operated the ferry, ended their service for the winter season back in October.

Sinn Fein councillor Tony McCaul said he “could only see the benefits” of the ferry given that there was ‘no cost to Council’.

SDLP councillor Gerry Mullan said “the sooner the ferry is reinstated the better”.

Owen McLaughlin runs The Point Bar at Magilligan Point. He says it’s “great news”, and hopes the service will be back in time for the summer season.

Mr McLaughlin also hopes whoever is awarded the tender will run the service for longer than a yearly contract.