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'Save Foyle Ferry' campaign
launched
07.04.09
A BUSINESSMAN 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 the
long-running service. Mr O'Doherty, who is in his
30s, 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.
"My brother Philip works for a construction company
in Coleraine and commutes on the ferry every day. I
also own a holiday home in Greencastle for the past
ten years and have used the ferry many times. When
friends are over from London or other places
visiting, I would often bring them on the ferry," he
explained.
However, Mr O'Doherty, a Derry-based web designer,
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." |
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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 |
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where visitors can log
their support on the online petition. As of
yesterday, there were 17 entries. The following is a
sample of some of the comments: "So many people rely
on this ferry...commuters, tourists and locals.
Please someone help this service to continue to
run." Another read, "Please don't stop the ferry. I
depend on it to get from Belfast to Greencastle.
This would be a big deterrence (sic) for all the
tourist (sic)". Mr O’Doherty hopes his campaign will
get a bigger media and political profile in the
weeks to come. |
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