APRIL 2009

Save Foyle Ferry

A business man has launched a campaign to save the cash-strapped Lough Foyle ferry from closure. Cahir O'Doherty set up the Save Lough Foyle Ferry campaign three weeks ago as a response to ongoing fears about the future of Lough Foyle ferry.

Derry based Mr. O'Doherty, said he began the drive for personal reasons primarily, but also felt the tourism potential of the Greencastle area would be destroyed if the ferry disappeared. Mr. O'Doherty said the ferry is highly important to the economic fabric of the area. "The Greencastle/Magilligan ferry is extremely important to people on both sides of the Foyle. Not only is it used as a form of public transport, but it is also vital for tourism and for opening up this often neglected region to tourists."

He feels the fares should be subsidised to make it viable for both the operators and the people who use the service. Mr. O'Doherty has been in touch with Lough Foyle Ferry Company Ltd., director Jim McClenaghan and has informed him of his campaign. Mr. O'Doherty has also set up a website: www.saveloughfoyleferry.com where visitors can log their support on the online petition. Mr. O'Doherty hopes his campaign will get a bigger media and political profile in the weeks to come.

Back