26/11/09 - Buckley honoured for role in reviving ferry
From the Corkman - www.corkman.ie

Conor Buckley, Chairman of West Cork Tourism Co-op (4th from left in the photo) has received a Cork Person of the Month award to mark his work in reviving the Cork-Swansea Ferry.

The new ferry service, set to launch on March 1 next, will create up to 1,000 jobs, boost tourism income for the south-west region and give increased business to freight hauliers in the area. The MV Julia ferry, which is currently being fitted out at Horgan's Quay in Cork port, can carry 1,860 passengers, 440 cars and 40 trucks. It will have over 300 cabins, ample Pullman seating, restaurants, bars, shops, a cinema and a children's play area.

"This award gives us great encouragement for the many challenges still ahead and I accept it on behalf of all the people who have invested and supported us over recent years, especially the grassroots support we got to purchase the ferry," Mr Buckley said.

"This is the dawn of a new era for the south-west and the Fastnet Line, also known as The People's Ferry, will give a huge commercial boost to Cork trade and tourism. We must applaud the initiative of Conor Buckley and all the stakeholders involved" said Manus O'Callaghan, awards sponsor.

The service begins on March 1, 2010 and it is planned to operate year-round to provide convenient travel both in and out of the tourist season. The ferry will save people travelling to Britain 600km (375 miles) driving on a round trip and will connect Cork direct to the M4 motorway, which gives direct access to London, the south-west and the midlands.

It is planned to have sailings between Cork and Swansea six nights a week, with additional sailings during peak periods and for special events. Overnight sailings will depart at 9pm, arriving 7am the next day.