All about the Peoples’ Ferry FAQ’s ~ Links FAQs about the Campaign Q - What were you trying to achieve with this website & campaign ? A - "We aim to restore the Swansea Cork ferry link as a year-round service for passengers and freight, run by a responsive, ethical company, using a modern, safe ship" "We will do this by :- a) bringing to the attention of Local & National Government the plight of communities and businesses in Ireland and the UK affected by the suspension of the ferry b) working with organisations and companies to restore the service c) raising the profile of the campaign through all media channels (When we wrote this - back in April 2008, there was a fourth possibility that we never even dreamed of - “Raise €3m by public subscription and buy our own ship!”. In fact - that’s what’s happened.....funny how things turn out!) Q - What’s all the fuss for - it’s only a boat...? A - Many individuals and organisations relied heavily on the S****** C*** F**** for their livelihood. Much of the local economy in counties Cork and Kerry is based on tourism - and the suspension of the ferry has made it much more difficult for tourists to access the more far-flung parts of the region. Because it is more difficult - a proportion of them do not come. We feel that action needs to be taken now to restore the service and safeguard local tourism and industry. Q - What about airports - can’t people just fly there instead...? A - Yes - there are frequent services to all of the Irish airports - including Cork, Kerry and Shannon. However, if you are a family with young kids, it can be much more convenient (and cheaper!) to pack everything including their favourite teddies into your car and come across on the ferry. Saves on car hire, too. Q - But I quite like going on holiday to places that aren’t crowded - and I don’t mind driving the extra distances involved. Isn’t the suspension of the ferry a good thing for me? A - Even when the ferry was running, you could never call Cork & Kerry ‘crowded’. There are miles of glorious coastline, winding country roads and cosy village pubs to explore. However - the tourist economy is a fragile thing - and it relies on a certain number of visitors coming each year. If the numbers drop too far then shops, restaurants and bars close, holiday rental properties are sold, and the economy declines. Vast amounts of Government money have already been invested in promoting tourism in the region - it would be a great shame if that money was wasted because the ferry is allowed to remain closed. Q - Why’s it been so difficult to get the service running again ? A - That’s a very good question - and one that we’ve all been asking. We’ve always believed that ‘where there’s a will, there’s a way’ - but  it was frustration at the apparent lack of activity that brought us to create this website. There is a worldwide shortage of suitable ferry vessels - but they’re not actually an extinct species! We hope that your support of this campaign will make it ‘easier’ to get this vital Ferry link restored - regardless of which company actually ends up running it. Please sign our e-petition today! Q - Who's behind this website - and what's in it for you ? A - The idea for this website developed from a series of informal chats between John Hosford (of Hosfords Garden Centre - Clonakilty) and Adrian Brentnall (of Inspired-glass). We felt that, even though 'everybody' agreed that the continuing inaction over the Ferry was a bad thing, 'nobody' seemed to be doing very much about it. We felt that a focus was needed for the strong opinions which surround the issue - and that a website was the obvious way to do this. Adrian runs the website - John is in charge of media coverage and general lobbying. Q - What's in it for us ? - A - We'd both like to see tourism and commerce flourish in West Cork, and feel that there has been too much confusion in the months since the ferry was suspended - and it's about time that the people who are directly affected (the businesses and residents of West Cork) had their say. Although this site is 'political', it is certainly not 'Party political' and it is not affiliated with any political flavour. FAQs about the New Ferry Service - June 2009 / September 2009 Q - What happened between May 2009 and September 2009 - it all went quiet? A - Nothing sinister in that - and behind the scenes there was an enormous amount of work being put into the legal and business aspects of the deal to purchase the Julia. One of the vendor’s conditions of our purchasing this fine ship was that negotiations should be completed in a ‘media blackout’ - and so we were unable to keep folks updated on progress. Now that the deal is done - we have no such restrictions - and we will be reporting progress as we move towards our start-date of March 1st 2010. Q - What can you tell me about the new ferry service ? How frequent will the journeys be, when will they sail, how long will they take, and what will they cost...? A - See the FAQs on the new Fastnet Line website Q - Who is who? - I’m confused! A - The Campaign (run by Adrian & John) is aimed at raising awareness of the need for the ferry, running this website, and lobbying for support for the ferry. The Co-op (or West Cork Tourism Co-op Ltd.) was formed to hold and administer the funds raised by public investment to buy the new ferry. It consists of an elected Board, all of whom are experienced in, and involved with, tourism & business in West Cork. Fastnet Line Ltd. is the new company that will run the ferry service. It will be responsible for the day to day operation of the ship, the booking office and the on-board shops, restaurants, etc. Fastnet Line is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Co-op. Q - Hey - this is all very reassuring..... - I'm looking forward to the new service starting in March. Is it still possible to support the project by investing or donating? A - Certainly - Invest Q. Can I be notified as soon as booking opens for the new ferry? A. Online & telephone bookings are now LIVE! - details on www.fastnetline.com Q - Will you keep me up-to-date with developments? A - Of course. If you have already signed our e-petition then we will have your email address and we’ll send you our e-newsletter. Same applies if you completed our User Survey, or if you’ve signed up on the Fastnetline.com  site Q - I have another question - will you answer it for me ? A - We'll do our best - just email us!

Links section

Even though we had all suffered at the suspension of the ferry service - West Cork and Kerry are still great places to visit for a relaxing holiday - and we look forward to welcoming back new and old friends travelling with Fastnet Line on the great new ferry..

Some local links for your enjoyment - mostly from people who’ve helped along the way with the campaign. There’s a whole page of Shareholders’ Links here

West Cork Tourism Home to some of the most breathtaking scenery in Ireland, and offering the broadest range of activities, entertainment, cuisine and accommodation  imaginable, West Cork provides a range of options that allow you to tailor your holiday to suit your personal needs and desires. From rejuvenating weekend breaks to action packed family holidays, the choice is yours, West Cork relaxes, entertains, invigorates… West Cork awaits…   West Cork Directory Self-catering holiday homes in West Cork - and a directory of useful business contacts   Travel Directories Ireland Online multi-language accomodation directory covering B&B, caravan & camping, hostels, hotels and self-catering,   West Cork Calling West Cork Calling specialises in planning the holiday that you want. Cultural experiences, Sporting action, Countryside pursuits, Coastal and ocean tours, Arts and crafts, activity breaks, Hotels, Self-catering, B&Bs, Camping, Caravanning and hostels to suit your taste and purse.   Glengarrif Glengarriff is nestled in at the end of Bantry Bay and is one of the oldest tourist destinations in Ireland. Follow in the footsteps of Wordsworth, Thackeray and GB Shaw and discover the wonder of its natural beauty. A stunning location where ocean, river and ancient oak forest meet.   Sustain Sustain West Cork is a new organisation set up to develop solutions to the environmental challenges of the 21st Century.   Talk-Ireland Talk Ireland – an eclectic mixture of news and views with particular interest in issues that matter to real people, such as bringing back the Swansea Cork Ferry!   Cork Hotels Reserve a Cork hotel securely today with Ireland's top accommodation website GoIreland.com and get instant confirmation on your booking.   The Irish Diaspora The Irish around the world - heritage, culture, and a sense of connectivity   Private Tours & Sightseeing Luxury personal sightseeing minivan tours with your own private tour guide. We offer Private guided tours in London, England, Ireland, France or anywhere else in Europe.     Farmers’ Markets Skibbereen Schull Hosfords market   West Cork is famous for its locally-produced food and crafts - and a great place to buy these is at one of the local Farmers’ Markets. Hosfords Garden Centre Everything for the gardening enthusiast, including a wide range of plants, trees and hedging, seeds, gardening sundries, locally-made food & gifts, and the award-winning Blue Geranium restaurant. Also the monthly Farmers’ Markets - see website for details!   Inspired-glass Beautiful stained glass, fused glass and greetings cards - all hand-made in sunny West Cork!   Ardaravan House B&B For B&B with a touch of luxury... Ardaravan House,Dromore, Bantry, Co. Cork   The Rectory, Glandore The Rectory is a family run private party venue in Glandore, West Cork -  regarded by Georgina Campbell as one of the 'Most Romantic wedding Venues in Ireland'.   designerartsandcrafts website showcasing the best of Irish arts and crafts - and accompanying the famous Designer Arts and Crafts Fair, held annually at the Celtic Ross Hotel, Rosscarbery, Co Cork, Ireland.   coastartcollective a group of artists and craftspeople from in and around Kinsale, West Cork, Ireland. Live exhibitions, and online gallery with secure shopping!   Realstarpictures Fascinating books about using star and constellation names to rediscover the shapes our ancestors saw in the stars. Also a series of Star Shows thoughout the year in Schull Planetarium.   Clonakilty District website "Cheerful, brightly coloured Clonakilty is a bustling market town that knows how to look after it visitors.  You'll find smart B&Bs, top restaurants and cosy pubs alive with good music" Lonely Planet 2008   Irish Art Courier A one-stop art and antiques shipping service - everything from individual artworks to complete exhibitions, sculpture, antiques and glassware. .Also  delivery of wine & Christmas hampers for business and entertainment clients.   Adopt-a-sheep The goal of Adopt a Sheep is to preserve the Irish heritage of mountain sheep, living in the scenic area of Moll's Gap on the Ring of Kerry in southwest Ireland. In doing so, the heritage of a traditional family farm in this Special Area of Conservation is also saved for future generations.   Ardmor Barn Holiday Accommodation Ardmor barn is situated in a beautiful rural part of West Cork. It is a recently converted detached barn with accommodation for four people. Set in a quiet rural location, Ardmor barn is about a mile from the village of Ballinspittle and five miles from the picturesque fishing town of Kinsale, famous for its restaurants and festivals. It is a perfect base for touring, golfing, fishing, sailing, walking, dining out or just relaxing and enjoying friendly craic in the local bars.   Glensallagh holidays Self catering traditional stone cottage, and spacious loft style apartment - both situated in secluded lush woodland garden in West Cork. Ideal for both large groups or intimate getaways   Lisin Na Cre - holiday cottage for rent A delightful and unusual holiday cottage in West Cork - set in pretty gardens and exceptionally peaceful surroundings   The Bridge House a small  welcoming and traditional pub with  modern B&B near Bantry  in beautiful West Cork...   Sandycove Beach Villas Luxury self catering holiday home / vacation rental home at Sandycove Beach, Rosscarbery, Co.Cork Ireland .   The German / Irish Club Dusseldorf Homepage of the German-Irish Club Düsseldorf/Germany with many interesting news and links for Irish and German citizens. Homepage der Deutsch-Irischen Gesellschaft Düsseldorf mit vielen Neuigkeiten und Links für deutsche und irische Staastbürger   Cruiseship Portal Whether ferries - freighters – cruising the high seas or rivers, here you’ll find it all! The CruiseshipPortal is a hierarchical link catalogue, including editorial articles and messages. If we have missed your company, we apologize and appreciate you sending us a message.   Brook Lodge Hotel Killarney A small family run 24 bedroom  4 star Hotel in Killarney Town Centre, off the street with private parking on the grounds. All modern facilities and warm hospitality.   Clyne Farm Centre Clyne Farm Centre is in a spectacular location on one of the seven hills of Swansea Bay just three miles from the ferryport and five miles from the M4 motorway. There are nine self catering cottages in converted stone barns and a small campsite overlooking the sea.   Dylan Thomas House This house has been restored to its condition in 1914 when it was bought as a new house by the Thomas family a few months before Dylan was born in the front bedroom. It can now be rented as an experiential self catering house where you enter in 1914 with a newspaper of the day and a piano and a wind up phonogram for entertainment!   Inish Beg Luxury Self Catering Cottages "Inish Beg says 'West Cork is great - - even better with a Swansea-Cork Ferry!'   Cottage Centre & Book an Irish Bed Dutch company specialising in long and short-term self-catering lets and great Bed & Breakfast  in Ireland and around the UK.   McCarthys Irish Cottages Self catering Irish cottages throughout the south west of Ireland, We at McCarthys Irish Cottages consider it a delight to help you find your dream Self Catering home.