|
|
"Old law could safeguard Foyle
ferry"
09.03.09
A SIXTY-year old law
should be revived to safeguard the future of the
Lough Foyle Ferry, according to Senator Cecilia
Keaveney. The Declaration of the Republic Act in
1949 considers each side of the Irish sea as "not" a
foreign territory. Therefore, the costly security
deployed at Magilligan need not apply, said the
local senator.
"Minister Martin Manseragh confirmed that the
designation of Magilligan and the security
implications are a matter for the Department of
Transport in the United Kingdom. |
 |
"However, he also
confirmed that, further to my representations, the
officials in the Irish Department of Transport have
been in contact with their counterparts to consider
a proposal that the ferry service, as a whole,
should be considered as a domestic, rather than an
international service," |
said Senator Keaveney.
She said officials were now monitoring the situation
closely to ensure that "a resolution to the current
maritime security related difficulties" are
addressed.
The Declaration of the Republic Act 1949 declared
that there is no concept of 'foreign' implicit in
the title "international" as it is assigned to the
Foyle Ferry.
"The security implications of the International Port
status of European Directive 725/2004 is an economic
noose that is undermining the viability of this
commercial venture without the support of (Donegal
and Limavady councils). In reviewing these Acts
passed in both Irish and UK parliaments, there
should be a strong argument to rationalise security.
"To take a proportional approach to this issue would
involve a level of common sense that I do hope will
be found in the coming weeks.
"This project has been close to my heart from my
father's involvement in its initial conception. I
want to see it continue to evolve the potential it
undoubtedly has," added the Moville-based senator. |
|
