Fastnet Line to receive ‘significant’ funding
By Jackie Keogh - Southern Star - Saturday March 27th, 2010


The Tanaiste Mary Coughlan has informed Senator Denis O’Donovan that The Fastnet Line is to receive ‘significant’ funding sanctioned by Enterprise Ireland.

The funding, which is believed to be in the region of €1.5 million and of a commercial nature, will allow the ferry service from Cork to Swansea to trade throughout the upcoming tourism season and well into next year.

“By investing in the ferry in the early stages,” Senator O’Donovan said, “the Government is doing all it can to assist the fledgling West Cork Tourism Co-operative and help ensure its viability for the future.”

In doing so, the Senator said: “The Government is also seeking to safeguard the many jobs in residential, activity and leisure-related tourism businesses throughout the region.

“I also see the announcement as being a resounding endorsement of the voluntary and community effort that went into reviving the ferry service and putting it back in action earlier this month.

On Tuesday afternoon, the Senator said he was delighted when the Tanaiste contacted him and confirmed that Enterprise Ireland had given the deal the go-ahead. 

Minutes later, he contacted The Southern Star and said he was sure that everyone associated with the project would be thrilled with the Government commitment, especially when one considers how big an impact the ferry service will have on the region.

“Even in difficult times,” he said: “This will be money well spent because the funding provided will help create approximately 1,100 jobs in the region and generate between €40 and €50 million for Cork and Kerry per annum.”