Written Answers. - Cork-Swansea Ferry Costs. Tuesday, 26 February 1991

Dáil Éireann Debate Vol. 405 No. 6 Page of 162

  223.  Mr. Yates      asked the Minister for Tourism, Transport and Communications      if he will outline the cost to date, in terms of State Exchequer support, towards the Cork-Swansea ferry in recent years; and his views on whether the service can be made viable, on a stand alone basis, without Exchequer support.

Minister for Tourism, Transport and Communications (Mr. S. Brennan):    The cost of grant assistance by the Exchequer towards the provision of the Cork-Swansea ferry amounts to £1.3 million from 1987 to date as follows: 1987, £500,000; 1988, £300,000 and 1990, £500,000.

In addition, repayable Exchequer loans have been made available to date as follows: 1990, £500,000 and 1991, £500,000.

Swansea Cork Ferries Limited have informed me that they are budgeting for a break even result in 1991 but that they will be endeavouring to do a lot better than this. The company accept that they must now operate on a commercial basis and must make a viable return on their furture operations. With this commitment, and with the support of local tourism and business interests, I believe that the service can be made viable. I have already made it clear that there can be no question of further Exchequer grants for the service in the future.

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