Politicians have described as “bewildering” and “inexplicable” the decision by Irish Ferries to pull the plug on its service between Rosslare and France, the shortest sea route to continental Europe for passengers and goods.
The company, a subsidiary of Irish Continental Group, said in a statement it was “unlikely that it will operate a service between Rosslare and France in 2019”. The ferry had operated between Rosslare/Cherbourg and Rosslare/Roscoff.
It said it will keep the situation “under review”.
The Irish Ferries Rosslare/Pembroke route remains in operation.
The company said a majority of customers have “a clear preference for the more central location and easy access of Dublin”.
It said its new WB Yeats ship will operate from Dublin to Cherbourg, with 20% greater passenger capacity, up to four days per week.
A spokesperson said no passengers would be at a financial loss as a result of the decision to end the service as bookings for the 2019 season had not commenced.
Waterford Sinn Féin TD David Cullinane said the decision was “truly baffling” with Brexit just over the horizon.
For the south-east region to lose one of its main ferry routes to Europe would be an absolute disaster and he says the minister needs to try and protect such a vital service for the region:
By Catherine Shanahan and Eamon Quinn - Irish Examiner
