'˜Positive discussions' on Foyle Ferry future

'˜Positive discussions' have taken place between Donegal County and Causeway Coast & Glens Councils on the future of the Foyle Ferry service between Greencastle and Magilligan.
By The Newsroom
Published 29th Jan 2016, 21:12 BST
Updated 29th Jan 2016, 22:24 BST
The former Foyle Ferry vessel.The former Foyle Ferry vessel.
The former Foyle Ferry vessel.

The ferry’s former operators announced last year they would not be renewing their contract for the service and it would cease with immediate effect.

Minister of State with Special Responsibility for the Gaeltacht Affairs and Natural Resources Joe McHugh TD told the ‘Journal’ that in the context of his involvement at the North Ministerial Council, he requested the Loughs Agency, as the locally-based body, to faciliate discussions between the two councils.

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Minister Mc Hugh said “ My request was in response to the potential threat that the ferry service might be discontinued. Meetings held on 11th December 2015 and again on 29th January 2016 have been very positive and I am confident that the ferry service is in good hands” .

The Minister emphasised the importance of the ferry service to the people and community based businesses in Inishowen and in the Lough Foyle hinterland.

He said: “I am hopeful sure that constructive dialogue between the two Local Authorities will see a progressive outcome in the interests of the communities. I am pleased to see Councils North and South working together and I want to acknowledge the excellent work of the Loughs Agency to facilitate this - they have more than delivered what I asked”.