Foyle Ferry operator will not provide service next year

The Foyle FerryThe Foyle Ferry
The Foyle Ferry
Donegal County Council has confirmed that the current Foyle Ferry operator will not run the service in 2017.

Rooskey Frazer and Company Ltd were awarded a contract to run the Greencastle to Magilligan service this year following a tender process by Donegal County Council and Causeway Coast and Glens Council.

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Earlier this week, the company’s director told the Journal that ‘no decision’ had been made on whether they would renew their contract for 2017, but added how they had informed both councils that some form of financial support may be needed for the next two years.

However, Donegal County Council confirmed the company has decided “not to take up the option to provide the service in 2017.”

They added: “Donegal County Council and Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council will shortly initiate a procurement process to select an operator for the service.”

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Donegal County Councillor Martin Farren said the news was “disappointing” but added that the Council’s committment to both the Foyle and Swilly ferries was reiterated at the Budget meeting in Lifford on Wednesday.

Colr Farren welcomed comments made by Liam Ward, Director of Service for Community and Enterprise which stressed the importance of having both ferries up and running.

It is understood there is a E50,000 ‘baseline’ figure included in the Council’s budget for 2017 to continue to support both ferry services.

The Greencastle-Magilligan service had been operated for years by Foyle Ferry Company Ltd. They ceased the service in November of last year.