25th February 2009 - From the BringBackTheSwanseaCorkFerryCampaign
 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
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Ferry roadshow comes to Swansea

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The Port of Swansea played host to a delegation from the BringBackTheSwanseaCorkFerry campaign yesterday. The team included
Frank Allen - (British and Irish Lines - the new operator), Capt. Michael McCarthy (Port of Cork), Peter Iles - (STS Consultants), and John Hosford (Co-organiser of the Campaign).

The delegation were in town to present two Roadshows at the Port of Swansea, highlighting the appeal for investors to back the new ferry service – which could be running again within six weeks, if investment is forthcoming. A new operator has been found, and a top-class ship is currently available at an excellent price – but the final piece of the investment jigsaw needs to be in place by the end of this week to ensure the return of the service.

“We'd like to thank the people of Swansea for their warm welcome and hospitality” said John Hosford. “Particular thanks are due to Chris Green, Matthew Kennerley, Clive Thomas from the Port of Swansea, and to the news media who provided us with such great coverage”.

“Our people back in Ireland have been very busy accepting investment pledges from Welsh individuals and businesses – but we still need just another 70 investors at €10k (£9k) each to seal the deal”. Full details of how to invest, and the background to the campaign can be found on the website at www.bringbacktheswanseacorkferry.com

John continued “This is a great opportunity to erase the blight of doom and negativity and harness the positive energy that will drive us forward together. This is an chance we cannot afford to miss – with success so close. We urge people on both sides of the Irish Sea to invest in this project and empower our regions with the positivity of equitable access”.



ENDS - WORDCOUNT 500

NOTES TO EDITORS

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT

Adrian Brentnall – Inspired-glass, Ballydehob, Co Cork, Ireland
email:  adrian@inspired-glass.com
phone:  +353 (0)28 37593

or
John Hosford – Hosfords Garden Centre, Cappa, Co Cork, Ireland
email:  john@hosfordsgardencentre.ie
phone:  +353 (0)23 39159


BACKGROUND

The roll-on, roll-off MV Superferry covered the Swansea – Cork route for many years, between March and early January, carrying freight, cars, and foot passengers on a ten hour voyage that allowed passengers to eat, rest, and sleep, while cutting up to 200 miles of driving to West Cork or Kerry, compared to alternative ferry routes via Dublin or Rosslare.

The service was cancelled in October 2006, when the Superferry was sold, and the operating company claimed a new boat would be introduced to the route in March 2007.

The campaign and website at www.bringbacktheswanseacorkferry.com, with its online petition, was started in April 2008 by John Hosford and Adrian Brentnall, to highlight the effects of the loss of the ferry, and to lobby for its return. The website attracts thousands of visitors per month – all of them eager for the return of the ferry.


ENDS
 

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This news is really encouraging - but we still need your support to convince the people that need convincing that this ferry service is essential to tourism and business in West Cork, Kerry and South Wales.

Please add your comments to our e-petition now ..... every ‘signature’ helps!

Also - please consider Investing in the ferry...

Thanks ! -  Adrian